Military News Updates – January 20, 2025 Morning
๐ฉ๐ฉ 1. Defense Minister U Yee Mon: Transition Requires Dialogue, But No Systemic Change Means Continued Struggle
January 19, Radio NUG
The revolution is aimed at systemic change, and if such a transition is sought, resolving issues through dialogue would not be avoided. However, Defense Minister U Yee Mon of the National Unity Government (NUG) has emphasized in an interview with U Khin Maung Soe that until systemic change is achieved, the struggle will continue.
Regarding the collection of taxes by some PDFs and other resistance groups, the minister noted that while this is a legitimate authority of any government, it also serves the crucial purpose of funding the revolution. The NUG has implemented a system where taxes are collected exclusively from businesses and not from ordinary citizens. However, he acknowledged that there are instances on the ground where this policy has been bypassed. By early 2025, the administration plans to implement reforms not only in governance but also in tax management.
He highlighted that the military junta is facing significant setbacks politically, militarily, diplomatically, and financially. During the revolutionary period, the regime's strength has been severely weakened. As a result, he expressed confidence that the final phase of this struggle will result in victory for the side with resilience and determination.
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๐ฉ๐ฉ 2. Military Council’s Factory Attacked with 107mm Rockets in Magway Region
January 19, Radio NUG
The Brave Warriors for Myanmar (BWM) have announced that they launched an attack on the Military Council's Defense Production Factory No. 21 (KaPaSa-21) in Seikphyu Township, Magway Region, using 107mm rockets.
The attack occurred on January 18 at 4:20 PM, with eight rockets fired at the facility. BWM reported that seven of the rockets successfully hit their targets. The factory is a key site producing 250-pound and 500-pound bombs, cluster munitions, and other aerial bombs used by the junta’s air force to attack civilians nationwide. Therefore, it was identified as a critical military target and attacked as part of BWM Mission 31.
Initial reports indicate significant damage to the bomb production facility, but investigations into specific casualties or losses are ongoing.
The operation was led by the BWM and carried out in collaboration with Eagle Brigade (Anyar Eagle), No More Dictatorship (NMD), Shadow (Mandalay), and local resistance groups.
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๐ฉ๐ฉ 3. Lion Battalion Commando Recruiting New Resistance Fighters
January 19, Radio NUG
The Lion Battalion Commando, led by Commander Bo Al Se War, has announced its recruitment of new resistance fighters.
Eligibility requirements for applicants:
Must be in good health and aged between 18 and 35.
Must have no criminal record or social disputes.
Must demonstrate discipline and obedience.
Must be able to adhere to the rules and regulations set forth.
Must commit to fulfilling assigned duties, regardless of time, location, or area, until the revolutionary period ends.
Those interested in actively participating in the final battles can contact the Lion Battalion Commando’s Division 2 or Division 3 via their respective Facebook Messenger (Chat Box) pages for inquiries and registration.
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๐ฉ๐ฉ 4. A Navy Major and a Police Officer from Junta Forces Defect to the Black Panther Column
January 19, Radio NUG
In Yangon Region, a Major from the Navy’s Main Industrial Regiment (NED) located in Botahtaung Township, along with a police officer from the Karen State Hpa-An Police Battalion (22), have defected to the Black Panther Column.
The Black Panther Column announced that it warmly welcomed the Major, his spouse, and the police officer who chose to break free from the oppressive and exploitative practices of the junta. Additionally, the Black Panther Column is recruiting new members for its resistance forces. Those interested can contact them directly via their Facebook page or Telegram handle (@bpc29905).
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๐ฉ๐ฉ 5. Civilian Properties Damaged by Junta’s Artillery and Drone Strikes in Hle Lu Tu District
January 19, Radio NUG
The Karen National Union (KNU) reported that artillery and drone attacks by the junta in Hle Lu Tu District have caused significant damage to civilian properties, including a house.
January 16: At 9:42 PM, two 120mm artillery shells fired by the 307th Shwe Wah Infantry Battalion landed in Kholo Village and Zee Gone Village. The explosion caused the destruction of a house in Zee Gone Village.
January 16: At 12:17 PM, two bombs were dropped by a drone operated by the 20th Infantry Battalion stationed in Paing Zalo Base, near Aaw Plar Village.
January 15: At 12:11 PM, the 246th Infantry Battalion in Tawwi Base fired 13 rounds of 81mm and 120mm artillery shells, which landed in Chyo Aye and Kwinkone Villages.
Furthermore, in KNU’s Kaw Thoo Lei administrative region, Du Thu Thu (Thaton) District, Mae Plaw area, artillery shells fired by the junta landed in A Suu Chaung Village, damaging civilian structures.
January 17: At approximately 7:30 PM, a 120mm artillery shell fired by the junta stationed in Mae Plaw Base struck A Suu Chaung Village. The explosion damaged a house, a spirit shrine, a water reservoir, and a monastery.
January 16: A 120mm artillery shell fired by the 404-405 Rapid Deployment Infantry Battalion fell near A Suu Chaung Village.
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๐ฉ๐ฉ 6. Thai Woman Arrested for Illegally Selling Rifles to Karen Forces
January 19, Radio NUG
Thai police arrested a 49-year-old Thai woman for illegally selling rifles to Karen forces. The Nation news outlet reported that the woman, known by the alias Warawan, was arrested in her home in Umpang District, Tak Province.
The arrest followed an investigation into the theft of 43 M16 rifles from a border patrol police warehouse in Bangkok’s Bang Khen District in December 2022. Police had already detained Sub-Inspector Narubet and seven accomplices in connection with the theft. Narubet reportedly sold the stolen rifles to Major Nakharin, who then resold them to the arrested woman.
The woman allegedly smuggled the M16 rifles across the border and sold them to Karen armed groups. Thai authorities, however, did not disclose which Karen faction received the weapons. The woman is currently being transferred to the CSD headquarters in Bangkok for further legal proceedings.
These military updates were provided by Radio NUG reporters Khur Shel and Min Sitt Thway.
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