Military News Updates – January 02, 2025 Morning
๐ฉ๐ฉ 1. KNDF Chairman Declares Plans to Retake All Military Camps in Karenni State in 2025
The Karenni National Defense Force (KNDF) Chairman, Khun Bee Htoo, announced in a New Year address that all military camps belonging to the oppressive military council in Karenni State will be seized in 2025. He highlighted the need to accelerate efforts to overthrow the faltering but still-standing dictatorship, stressing that unfinished goals from previous years remain. Reflecting on 2024, he noted increased unity and lessons learned among revolutionary forces, including KNDF’s involvement in military operations codenamed "1111" and "1027."
"Although the intensity of battles slightly decreased in 2024 due to revolutionary challenges, we are preparing to achieve successive victories in 2025. I am confident about this. I also firmly believe that individuals currently under the military council's control will defect using all possible means. We hope for entire battalions to defect in 2025, and I encourage them to do so. In 2025, we will focus on reclaiming military bases in Karenni State. We urge the people to support and stand with us because without their contributions, we cannot achieve this. We are determined to complete this mission of retaking military bases by 2025," said Khun Bee Htoo.
He also stated that revenue from taxes contributed by the people will be used transparently and effectively. Measures are being taken to ensure a steady supply of rice for Karenni citizens, and plans are underway to establish a banking system to facilitate transactions, loans, and microfinance initiatives to revive small businesses. These are part of the responsibilities of the Karenni State government, which is preparing to work collaboratively with the people.
Additionally, the KNDF Chairman emphasized that they are coordinating with the National Unity Government (NUG) to improve administrative operations further.
========================
๐ฉ๐ฉ 2. Revolutionary Leaders Must Endure Criticism and Criticize Freely, Says Mandalay PDF Commander
Dr. Soe Thu Ra Zaw, a member of the Mandalay PDF (People’s Defense Force) Command, stated on January 1st that true revolutionary leaders must endure criticism and should also be unhesitant in voicing criticism.
"If we consider ourselves true revolutionaries, we must endure the weight of criticism and not hesitate to criticize. We need to listen to criticism with an open mind and broad perspective. Failing to endure or heed criticism can lead to becoming the very oppressors we are trying to overthrow," he remarked.
He also pointed out that focusing solely on accelerating the revolution would naturally resolve some issues.
========================
๐ฉ๐ฉ 3. Celebration Held for Soldiers Defecting from Military Council to Join the Revolution
On December 31, a welcoming and support ceremony was held for soldiers from the "Aung Zeya" military column, who defected to the revolutionary forces with or without weapons and ammunition. According to a statement from the KNU Central Committee, these soldiers were warmly received by KNLA-led revolutionary forces.
Previously, the Myawaddy area had served as a significant revenue source for the military junta, contributing 65% of the national tax revenue before their coup. Despite deploying substantial manpower and weaponry in a major military campaign named "Aung Zeya," the military council failed to secure the strategic Myawaddy-Mae Sot trade route.
Due to repeated attacks by KNLA-led forces, the junta has been unable to regain control of the area. Many soldiers are defecting, demoralized by severe shortages of food, ammunition, and manpower. Reports indicate that lower-ranking soldiers are forced to share meager rations, such as a single packet of dried noodles among three people, while only senior officers have access to proper meals.
The KNLA and allied forces consistently urge military personnel to defect, offering them safe refuge and opportunities for a better future within KNU-controlled territories. Defectors are treated with respect and provided with essential support to rebuild their lives according to their wishes.
========================
๐ฉ๐ฉ 4. Five Civilians, Including a Child, Killed in Military Junta Airstrike in Ngazun Township
On New Year’s Eve, the military junta carried out airstrikes on Thakyin Pyaw village in Ngazun Township, Mandalay Region, resulting in the deaths of five civilians, including a five-year-old child. Six others sustained severe injuries, according to local sources.
The airstrikes involved three rounds of bombings, with the first, executed by a jet fighter, causing the fatalities. Subsequent strikes, involving helicopter gunships, did not result in additional deaths. There was no ongoing conflict in the area at the time, and the attacks were unprovoked.
Residents are now fleeing the area, fearing further airstrikes. This marks the fourth airstrike on the village, with previous attacks also causing casualties.
========================
๐ฉ๐ฉ 5. Military Junta Conducted Three Airstrikes in Bilin Township within a Single Day
The Karen National Union (KNU) has reported that the Military Junta carried out three airstrikes in a single day in Bilin Township, within the Kawthoolei Administrative Region.
On December 30 at 11:55 a.m., three bombs were dropped, and heavy artillery was fired between Kyathaung Seik West Village and Pyinmapinseik Village, targeting Htoh Kaw Naw Baw. At 12:05 p.m., three more bombs were dropped near Noh Beh Baw Village, targeting Tee Nyar Sa Htar. Finally, at 12:30 p.m., three bombs and heavy artillery were launched into the forest area near Thae Phyu Chaung (Htike Kyik Khan) Village, specifically at Kyaw Padeh Kone.
While no civilian casualties were reported from these airstrikes, the nearby villages were left in fear, forcing residents to flee to safer areas.
========================
๐ฉ๐ฉ 6. One Civilian Killed and Seven Injured by Junta’s Violent Actions in Hpa-an District
According to the KNU, deliberate shelling and drone attacks by the Military Junta on villages in the Hpa-an District, specifically in the Hlaingbwe and Moo Townships, resulted in one civilian death and injuries to seven others.
On December 28 at 4:00 p.m., three artillery shells fired from the Junta’s Nat Than Kwin Base landed in Intaine Kone Village, causing the death of a 40-year-old man named Nyar Lar Say. Additionally, three others, including 20-year-old Saw Khwa Si, 55-year-old Nyar Loo Mar, and Naw Aarmu, were injured.
On December 30, at 5:05 p.m., another artillery shell landed in Intaine Kone Village, injuring a 17-year-old boy, Saw Thaw Nay Htoo, and a 12-year-old girl, Naw Dar Lar Say. Earlier that day, at 3:30 p.m., a drone strike on Thaphan Pin Village injured 46-year-old Ma Than Than Soe and 1.5-year-old Maung Yae Htet Aung.
========================
๐ฉ๐ฉ 7. Around 20 Landmines Planted by the Junta Cleared by Salin PDF
On December 28, the Salin People’s Defense Force (PDF) successfully cleared approximately 20 landmines planted by the Military Junta along the Salingyi-Ohtein Road near Kapasa-21 in Salin Township, Magway Region.
The PDF stated that this demining effort was part of ongoing operations to ensure the safe movement of civilians in the area.
========================
๐ฉ๐ฉ 8. Six Armored Vehicles from Monywa Targeted Twice by Landmine Attacks
At around 9:00 a.m. on December 31, six armored vehicles from the Junta’s Military Operations Command (MOC) in Monywa were ambushed with landmine attacks on the Chaung-U–Yinmabin Road.
According to a statement from the Lightning Strike Battalion, the convoy of six armored vehicles left Monywa for Yinmabin, and resistance forces preemptively prepared landmine ambushes. Around 30 Junta soldiers on foot were the first to encounter the ambush near the mines, resulting in three soldiers' deaths.
The Junta soldiers retaliated with small arms fire, forcing resistance groups to temporarily retreat. Later, when the six armored vehicles approached the mined area, a second landmine attack was conducted. While reports of casualties or damages to the vehicles are still being verified, the operation involved multiple groups, including the Lightning Strike Battalion, 11 People’s Defense Force, Monywa District Battalion-15, and Nway Oo Brothers Column.
========================
๐ฉ๐ฉ 9. Two Towns and Multiple Junta Bases Captured in the Southern Region in 2024
The National Unity Government’s (NUG) Southern Military Region Division-2 announced that in 2024, they successfully captured two towns, multiple battalion headquarters, and over 20 military camps through strategic offensives.
Farbone Township was fully seized, while Zarapgyi Township was brought under control. Additionally, two battalion headquarters were captured entirely, and another was overrun. Over 20 military camps were cleared and seized.
In a strategic operation named “Rain of Fire,” the Southern Region forces successfully targeted the Taungoo Air Base. The Hmawbi Air Base near Yangon was also attacked in collaboration with allied forces.
The victories were achieved through cooperation between the NUG’s Ministry of Defense, the Southern Military Region Joint Operations Command (JOC), allied resistance forces, and the People’s Defense Force (PDF), with the support of local civilians.
The Southern Military Region expressed its commitment to overcoming any obstacles and continuing to fight for the dismantling of the dictatorship and the establishment of a Federal Union, emphasizing discipline, unity, and determination in their struggle.
These reports were compiled and submitted by Radio NUG correspondents Min Thihan, Min Sitt Thway, and Khashel.
No comments:
Post a Comment