Domestic News Updates – February 16, 2025 Evening
๐๐ 1. NUG Ministry of Defense Issues Further Advisory on Precautions During Airstrikes and Actions to Take When Evacuating Homes
February 16
The National Unity Government (NUG) Ministry of Defense has issued a renewed advisory today, February 16, detailing the necessary precautions to take during airstrikes and essential actions to follow when evacuating homes.
In recent days, the NUG Ministry of Defense has been releasing a series of advisories on how to minimize harm during airstrikes and best practices for taking shelter. These guidelines are being published in response to the military junta's continued airstrikes against civilians, aiming to help people protect themselves and reduce casualties.
The advisory instructs civilians to turn off all electrical appliances and secure their homes before leaving. If time permits, it is recommended to fill water tanks and containers and to lock doors properly if valuables are left behind. Given past incidents where the junta forces have vandalized homes, civilians are advised to store essential items and food supplies in concealed or underground locations, such as earthen pots or plastic containers. If there are no valuables left in the house, it is recommended to leave doors slightly open to avoid unnecessary damage.
For those seeking refuge elsewhere, the advisory emphasizes the importance of maintaining contact among family members, especially ensuring the safety of children. The NUG Ministry of Defense also advises writing down family members’ names, phone numbers, and blood types on their arms for identification purposes.
During an airstrike, civilians are strongly warned against running in panic without a clear destination, as well as against stepping outside to observe or record videos/photos of the attack. The advisory stresses that curiosity can be life-threatening and urges people to prioritize their safety.
Additionally, people are cautioned to avoid leaning against or taking shelter near solid walls, steel structures, or earthen embankments, as they may collapse due to shockwaves, leading to injuries. Windows should also be avoided, as shattered glass from explosions can pose a serious threat. The advisory further recommends staying away from large gatherings, especially if outside a building.
After an airstrike, people should only leave their shelters once the situation is confirmed to be completely safe. If their current hiding place is deemed unsafe, they should relocate to pre-designated safe zones within the village or seek further information before moving. The NUG Ministry of Defense urges civilians to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.
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๐๐ 2. Islamic and Hindu Religious Ceremonies Held in AA-Controlled Areas of Rakhine State
February 16
In areas controlled by the Arakan Army (AA) in Rakhine State, an Islamic religious event for the awarding of the Qur'an Hafiz certificate and a Hindu religious festival were successfully held, according to local sources.
The Jalsa ceremony for awarding the Qur'an Hafiz certificate took place in the first week of February in Mrauk-U Township, attended by local Muslim religious leaders, community elders, and civilians. Arakan Army officials were also reportedly present at the event.
Meanwhile, in Maungdaw Township, the Hindu community celebrated the Rama festival from February 10 to 12. This marks the first time such a large-scale Rama festival has been held in an AA-controlled area. Hindu religious leaders stated that the event was organized not only for the spiritual well-being of the Hindu community but also for promoting peace and harmony in the region and the country as a whole.
The Rama festival is one of the most significant religious celebrations for the Hindu community. According to local reports, after the AA took control of Maungdaw, the Hindu community was able to hold the festival freely and peacefully.
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๐๐ 3. Tanintharyi Military Command Warns of Severe Action Against Destruction of Thagara Ancient City Heritage
February 16
The Tanintharyi Military Command has issued a stern warning that those responsible for the destruction of cultural heritage sites in Thagara Ancient City, located in the Myohaung Village Tract of Launglon Township, will face strict punitive measures.
A public notice was released today, February 16, by the Tanintharyi People's Defense Force, emphasizing the need to protect the cultural heritage of Thagara Ancient City. The city was founded in 751 AD (Myanmar Year 113) and was designated a cultural heritage protection zone in 2012.
Despite its historical significance, armed groups have reportedly been using heavy machinery to demolish sections of the city's ancient walls. Local resistance forces have warned the perpetrators to cease such activities immediately, stating that failure to comply will result in severe consequences.
While the specific armed group responsible for the destruction has not been named, reports indicate that they are demolishing the city walls to convert the land for resale. Local residents have strongly opposed such actions and expressed their concerns.
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๐๐ 4. Myanmar Military Council Launches Air and Artillery Attacks on Naung Cho Township Ahead of TNLA Peace Talks
February 16
The Myanmar Military Council launched aerial bombings and artillery attacks on Naung Cho Township, an area controlled by the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), ahead of scheduled peace talks between the two sides, according to the PSLF/TNLA News and Information Department.
In coordination with China’s mediation efforts, representatives from the Palaung State Liberation Front (PSLF/TNLA) had already arrived in Kunming, Yunnan Province, China, on February 15 to hold discussions with the junta’s representatives. However, just hours after their arrival, the military council launched attacks on TNLA-controlled areas, sources say. The talks, aimed at resolving ongoing military conflicts, were scheduled to begin on February 16, according to TNLA officials.
On the same day that TNLA announced the meeting, the junta forces reportedly attacked Naung Cho Township in northern Shan State, which falls under TNLA control. TNLA stated that the military used heavy artillery and deployed a Y-12 aircraft to drop 175 bombs on the area. According to TNLA, the attacks were unprovoked, with no prior clashes occurring between the two sides.
Additionally, on February 15, junta troops stationed at Taung Kan Base—comprising Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) 406, Infantry Battalion (IB) 354, and IB 902—fired 137 artillery shells at villages in Naung Cho Township, including Narswe, Oum Ma Thee, Nyaung Ni, and Taung Shwe. Later, at around 2 p.m. that day, the junta’s Y-12 aircraft reportedly dropped 38 bombs on Narswe Village.
The Military Council has also conducted similar attacks in other areas. On February 10, junta forces launched an aerial assault on Mogok, dropping around 20 bombs. The attack resulted in the deaths of five civilians and left 19 others injured.
The PSLF delegation attending the peace talks is led by Deputy Major General Tar Jot Ja and includes nine representatives, among them Colonel Tar Moe Hein, head of the Allied Relations Department. On the junta’s side, their representatives will be led by Deputy Major General Ko Ko Oo, who previously negotiated with the MNDAA (Kokang Group) on behalf of the Military Operations and Special Task Force-1.
This report was filed by Radio NUG correspondent Ko Khant.
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