Military News Updates – February 18, 2025 Morning
๐ฉ๐ฉ 1. Recommendations Issued for Protection Against Chemical Weapons Amid Aerial Attacks
February 17
Radio NUG
The Ministry of Defense under the National Unity Government (NUG) has issued a statement highlighting the dangers of chemical weapons, which are often used alongside conventional weapons in warfare. The use of such toxic substances in military operations has resulted in casualties not only among combatants but also among civilians.
Chemical agents can exist in various forms, including gas, liquid, and powder. The statement warns that ordinary clothing is not sufficient to provide protection against these substances.
Additionally, it advises against approaching areas affected by chemical weapons without protective gear, handling objects with bare hands, or providing assistance to affected individuals without proper precautions. Exposure to these toxic agents—whether through skin contact, inhalation, or ingestion—can lead to poisoning, causing severe health complications, including skin damage, respiratory distress, eye irritation, and even death.
Different chemical substances have varying effects, and it is crucial to recognize the symptoms of exposure. The statement warns that chemical poisoning can severely impact the skin, respiratory system, lungs, heart, brain, nervous system, digestive tract, and muscles.
Signs of chemical exposure include individuals experiencing symptoms unrelated to visible injuries, sudden and unexplained deaths in large numbers, and the presence of unusual odors, liquids, or vapors. If such conditions are observed, it should be assumed that a chemical attack has occurred.
As the military junta continues its relentless aerial bombardments against civilian populations, the statement aims to inform and prepare civilians on how to minimize risks and protect themselves during such attacks.
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๐ฉ๐ฉ 2. "Min Aung Hlaing, Stop Crushing Our Heads and Feet!"—Deserter Sergeant Speaks Out Against Military Abuse
February 17
Radio NUG
On February 15, at around 12:00 PM, Sergeant San Moe (serial number T/430111) from Infantry Battalion 254, stationed at the Ingpin village checkpoint in Pakokku Township, defected from the military, according to a statement from the Burma Revolution Rangers.
The Revolutionary Forces rescued him and provided medical treatment, as he had suffered facial and limb injuries due to physical abuse inflicted by fellow soldiers at the checkpoint. The defecting sergeant described severe internal mistreatment within the military.
“I was frequently thrown into detention within the camp. At Ingpin base, I was subjected to beatings and assaults constantly. Whenever there was a task, I was forced to work harder than others. The police, too, oppress the people—they extort money from civilians transporting oil and rice. Every truck passing through has to pay. For example, for just one container of oil, they demand 5,000 kyats. And all that money goes straight into their own pockets,” said Sergeant San Moe.
He continued, “When I first reached the resistance forces, I was scared. But they treated me like a real brother. They even offered me cigarettes. To put it simply, I want to continue working with the revolutionary forces. If I return to the military, I’ll either be imprisoned or tortured. The only ones left in the battalion now are disabled and elderly soldiers—probably just about 15 of them.
I want to tell my fellow soldiers: it’s time to regret. We are given just enough rations to survive, while we are forced to participate in pointless offensives. We are sent into battle with no regard for our lives.
And to Min Aung Hlaing—I want to say, stop crushing our heads and feet. Stop treating your subordinates like dogs.”
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๐ฉ๐ฉ 3. At Least 24 Junta Soldiers Killed in Three Days of Attacks in Bokpyin Township
February 17
Radio NUG
At least 24 junta soldiers were killed and many others wounded during three consecutive days of clashes in Bokpyin Township, Kawthoung District, Tanintharyi Region, according to a statement from the Bokpyin Township People’s Police Force.
On February 14, at around 9:45 AM, a military column of approximately 100 junta troops advanced into Bokpyin Township but was ambushed near Bo Dar village, where landmines had been strategically planted. Intense clashes followed between resistance fighters and junta forces.
On February 16, at around 11:45 AM, the same military column attempted another offensive at the R Zero area, leading to heavy exchanges of fire involving both small arms and artillery. After about an hour and a half of fighting, the junta forces were forced to retreat.
Subsequent clashes occurred at around 2:00 PM and again at 5:00 PM. The junta deployed combat drones equipped with explosives, but resistance forces managed to shoot down one such drone, killing five junta soldiers in the process.
Over the course of the three-day battle, at least 24 junta soldiers were killed, many more were wounded, and two military drones were shot down. Resistance forces also seized an unexploded 60mm mortar shell.
The operation was carried out by a coalition of resistance forces, including KNLA Battalion 203 (2nd and 3rd Companies), KNU People’s Army, Kawthoung District People’s Defense Force Battalion 1, Bokpyin Township People's Defense Force (Flying Star Force), and the Bokpyin Township People’s Police Force. The joint resistance forces successfully withdrew without sustaining any casualties.
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๐ฉ๐ฉ 4. Battle in Nyaungshwe Township as Over 100 PNO Troops Launch an Offensive; 5 Killed, 4 Captured
February 17
Radio NUG
On February 16, at around 2:30 PM, a combined force of PNO Infantry Battalion 1 and Infantry Battalion 7, totaling over 100 troops, launched an attack near Yae Pu Village in the Inle region of Nyaungshwe Township, according to a statement from the Inle People’s Defense Force (IPDF).
In response, IPDF Battalion 1009, along with allied forces including Bya Guerrilla Column, Phekhon Township People's Defense Force Battalion 2 (PK-PDF-2) Battalion 1006, and the Central Regional Special Task Force, engaged in battle for approximately three and a half hours.
During the clash, the junta’s military provided aerial support with three airstrikes and fired approximately 50 rounds of heavy artillery. However, resistance forces managed to defend successfully without any casualties.
As a result of the battle, at least five PNO troops were killed, and four were captured alive. Additionally, five firearms, nine ammunition magazines, and a quantity of bullets were seized, according to the statement.
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๐ฉ๐ฉ 5. Pyu Saw Htee Toll Gate Extorting Money Attacked in Pakokku
February 17
Radio NUG
The Shwe Nyar Myae PDF has reported that an armed attack was carried out on a Pyu Saw Htee checkpoint that had been set up to extort money from travelers in Ward 3 (Aung Chan Thar) of Pakokku Township, Magway Region.
On the morning of February 15, members of the Mying PDF Battalion 3, Company 4, and the Shwe Nyar Myae PDF attacked the checkpoint, which was run by Pyu Saw Htee forces under the leadership of the ward administrator, according to the statement.
During the attack, three Pyu Saw Htee members, including the administrator’s son, Pyu Phoe Khwa, were killed on the spot. Their bodies were transported to Pakokku Hospital and were reportedly cremated that evening.
Some Pyu Saw Htee members managed to escape, while the resistance fighters were able to withdraw without sustaining any casualties.
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๐ฉ๐ฉ 6. Landmine Planted by Military Junta Explodes in Ann, Killing One Civilian and Injuring Another
February 17
Radio NUG
A landmine left behind by the junta in Ann Township, Rakhine State, exploded when a local stepped on it, resulting in one death and one injury, according to Arakan Princess Media.
The incident occurred on February 16 at around 5:30 PM, when three young men—18-year-old Ko Nyi Nyi Soe, Ko Kyaw Win Tun, and Maung Nay Win Soe—were climbing a hill near a Telenor telecommunications tower to pick betel nuts. One of them accidentally stepped on the mine, triggering the explosion.
As a result, Ko Nyi Nyi Soe’s right leg was severed, and he sustained severe injuries across his body, leading to his immediate death.
Ko Kyaw Win Tun also suffered injuries from shrapnel to his left arm, right thigh, and back.
The Arakan People's Revolutionary Government has been conducting mine risk education programs and continues to carry out demining operations in the region.
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๐ฉ๐ฉ 7. Three Junta Soldiers Forced into Military Service Surrender to KNLA with Weapons
February 17
Radio NUG
Three junta soldiers who had been forcibly conscripted after being unlawfully detained have defected to the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) with their weapons, according to a statement from the Karen National Union (KNU).
On February 17, the three soldiers surrendered to KNLA Battalion 9 in the KNU-administered Kawthoolei region, Thale Lu Thu District, in Le Doe Township.
The defectors were identified as 21-year-old Pvt. Myat Min Thu, 24-year-old Pvt. Win Min Ko, and 20-year-old Pvt. Moe Thauk Yan. They surrendered with two MA-3 assault rifles, one MA-1 rifle, 11 ammunition magazines, 776 rounds of ammunition, and one hand grenade.
Since they had been forcibly conscripted by the junta, they were each awarded 1 million kyats upon surrender, as per the statement.
Resistance forces urge all forcibly conscripted junta soldiers to defect and surrender their weapons to the nearest revolutionary forces or People’s Defense Forces (PDFs) by any means possible.
These reports were compiled by Min Sitt Thway and Khur Shel from Radio NUG.
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