Myanmar Military News Updates – May 17, 2025 Evening
๐ฉ๐ฉ 1. TNLA Reports Junta Used Kamikaze Drones to Launch Attacks
The Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) has reported that the terrorist military council launched an aerial attack using kamikaze drones, targeting Naung Cho Township, which is under the control of the PSLF/TNLA, despite the absence of active clashes in the area.
According to the TNLA, the junta launched three bombs via kamikaze drones over Zone Thay Village in Naung Cho Township—an area under the administration of the Palaung State Liberation Front/Ta’ang National Liberation Army (PSLF/TNLA)—on the morning of May 16 between 9:45 AM and 9:55 AM.
The junta had also conducted an aerial assault with a jet fighter on May 15, targeting Thabeikkyin Township, which borders Mogok Township. That attack killed three innocent civilians and injured three more, according to the report.
From May 1 to May 16, the terrorist junta carried out 15 airstrikes on areas under PSLF/TNLA control, resulting in six civilian deaths and nine injuries, as documented by the PSLF/TNLA’s Information and Public Relations Department.
Although the junta recently extended the ceasefire period by another month, the PSLF/TNLA warns that nearly daily bombings and aerial attacks continue to pose a serious threat. The group urges civilians in its territories to remain constantly vigilant against attacks by military aircraft, drones, and heavy weaponry.
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๐ฉ๐ฉ 2. Junta Forces Torch Htan Taw Village in Nattalin Township
In Nattalin Township, located in Bago Region, the terrorist military forces raided and set fire to Htan Taw Village, according to local sources.
On the afternoon of May 16, around 3:30 PM, a junta military unit accompanied by Pyu Saw Htee militia entered Htan Taw Village and deliberately torched civilian homes, resulting in widespread destruction.
Local residents believe the attack was a retaliatory act following a confrontation on May 14, during which combined People’s Defense Forces launched an attack on the same military column, resulting in the deaths of eight junta personnel.
The vengeful military column returned to Htan Taw Village and burned down many homes, including larger and well-built residences, according to locals.
Fortunately, villagers had evacuated in advance and sought safety elsewhere before the military incursion, and no civilian casualties were reported.
Due to ongoing junta military activity—such as artillery shelling, drone strikes, aerial bombings, and advancing columns—resistance forces in the region have issued public warnings urging civilians to remain alert and move cautiously within affected areas along the Bago-Yoma mountain range.
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๐ฉ๐ฉ3. AA Releases Over 200 Captured Soldiers from Minbya Battle
More than 200 junta soldiers who were captured during the battle to seize Minbya City in Rakhine State have been released by the Arakan Army (AA), according to local military sources.
It is reported that a total of 225 prisoners of war, deemed eligible for release, were freed by the AA on May 16.
The Arakan Army had fully captured Minbya City on February 6, 2024. During that battle, the junta troops and their family members were taken as prisoners of war, and a substantial amount of weapons and ammunition was also seized, according to military records.
The AA had been holding those prisoners of war under the provisions of international laws and standards governing the treatment of POWs. On April 13 of this year, the AA had released the first batch of 170 family members of the prisoners.
This recent release marks the second round, during which a total of 225 individuals—130 men and 90 women—were returned to their families through an official handover ceremony.
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๐ฉ๐ฉ4. Two New Soldiers from LIB-361 Defect in Tantse with Weapons and Ammunition
Two newly recruited soldiers from Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) 361, stationed in Tantse Town, Sagaing Region, have defected to the side of the people, bringing along firearms and ammunition, according to an official statement by People's Defence Force (PDF) under Battalion No. 52.
The two defectors reportedly joined Battalion No. 52’s frontline unit on May 12. They surrendered with one MA-2 rifle, one MA-3 rifle, along with a full set of bullets and ammunition.
In recognition of their defection and the equipment brought with them, Battalion 52 awarded each of the two defectors a sum of MMK 5 million. They are now reportedly being provided with nutritious meals, safe shelter, and proper care.
The defectors revealed that they could no longer endure the oppressive and hierarchical abuse within the junta military, which led them to make the decision to join the just cause alongside the people.
The PDF of Battalion 52 has called on all junta troops to defect as soon as possible and seek refuge in the arms of the people, assuring that they will be warmly welcomed.
This news was reported by Radio NUG correspondent Ko Khant.
#SpringRevolution
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