Myanmar Military News Updates – May 21, 2025 Morning
๐ฉ๐ฉ 1. KIA-Allied Forces Shoot Down Junta Helicopters Bound for Bhamo—One Aircraft Crashes, Pilot Myo Htet Aung Confirmed Dead
May 20
Radio NUG
On May 20 at around 1:00 PM, joint forces of the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) launched an attack on three military helicopters that were transporting reinforcements to junta forces stationed in Bhamo, Kachin State. According to frontline KIA sources, two of the helicopters were hit and brought down during the assault.
The helicopters were en route to provide reinforcement to the junta’s No. 21 Military Operations Command (MOC-21) in Bhamo when they were attacked by the KIA-allied units. Of the two helicopters that were hit, one Mi-17 helicopter crashed in a forested area west of the Ayeyarwady River in Shwegu Township, within the operational territory of KIA’s Battalion 5. The aircraft was reportedly destroyed by fire upon impact.
KIA troops located the wreckage of the downed Mi-17 in a forest west of Si Ngan Village, Shwegu Township, and discovered the body of the pilot, identified as Myo Htet Aung, at the crash site.
The second damaged helicopter was forced to make an emergency landing in Shwegu Township, according to local reports.
This incident marks another in a series of successful attacks by the KIA on junta aircraft. On May 3, 2021, the KIA shot down a Mi-35 attack helicopter belonging to the military near Moe Mauk Township, between Myothit and Kone Law villages. That attack resulted in the deaths of Major Kyaw Zeya Htut, Lieutenant Colonel Than Tun Lin, and senior warrant officer Kyaw Swar Aung.
On January 3, 2024, a Mi-17 helicopter transporting supplies to the junta’s Naphaw base in Waingmaw Township was also shot down by the KIA, killing eight junta troops and destroying the aircraft.
Similarly, on January 16, 2024, the KIA shot down an FTC-2000G fighter jet belonging to the junta near Namphatkar Village in Kutkai Township, Northern Shan State, as it approached to conduct an aerial bombing.
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๐ฉ๐ฉ 2. Five Junta Troops, Including an Officer, Killed in Ambush by Dragon Guerrillas of Battalion 3703 in Nyaunglaybin
May 20
Radio NUG
On May 18, 2025, at 5:40 PM, guerrilla fighters from Battalion 3703's “Dragon Force” ambushed a junta military truck traveling from Nyaunglaybin to Shwegyin in Bago Region. The attack occurred along the Nyaunglaybin–Shwegyin road.
The ambushed truck was brought to a halt, and five junta personnel aboard—including a military officer—were confirmed killed in the attack, according to reports.
Following the ambush, clashes also broke out between resistance fighters and junta troops stationed along the roadside for security.
Shortly after the engagement, two junta trucks and five motorcycles arrived from Madauk as reinforcements. The junta forces indiscriminately opened fire at the scene and evacuated the dead and wounded from the area.
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๐ฉ๐ฉ 3. At Least 14 Civilians Killed Near Kyondoe in Past Month Due to Junta’s Aerial, Artillery, and Drone Attacks
May 20
Radio NUG
At least 14 civilians have been killed in the past month near Kyondoe Township, Karen State, as a result of the junta’s ongoing assaults using heavy artillery, drones, and airstrikes, according to the Monland Restoration Army (MLA).
The MLA's compiled data revealed that among the deceased were two children aged 3, a pregnant woman, and a 64-year-old elderly man.
Additionally, 24 other civilians—including monks and young school children—were injured. Some victims reportedly suffered severe injuries, including the loss of a leg.
Several religious and educational buildings were damaged in the attacks, including:
The monastery in Kamni Village,
A mosque,
Monasteries in Kammarite and Thalwethtaw Villages, and
A school in Win Ka Village.
Clashes between the junta forces and joint resistance forces—comprising the MLA and its allies from the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA)—have persisted in the areas surrounding Kyondoe since April 15. The public has been warned to remain highly vigilant and cautious due to the continued threat of aerial bombardments.
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๐ฉ๐ฉ 4. Over 30 Junta Troops Who Surrendered During the Battle for Maungdaw Released by the Arakan Army
May 20
Radio NUG
According to an announcement from the Arakan People’s Military (APM), more than 30 junta soldiers who surrendered and defected during the offensive to seize Maungdaw Town were released by the Arakan Army (AA) on May 19.
All the released personnel were reunited with their families and officially discharged during a ceremonial event. Each individual was provided with 300,000 kyats as travel allowance and was escorted to a safe location, sources reported.
On the same day, May 19, the Arakan Army also released 184 prisoners, including junta-affiliated personnel and their family members, who had been detained during the operation to seize Mrauk-U Town, according to further reports.
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๐ฉ๐ฉ 5. CDF–Asho Warns Against Threats or Harassment of Basic Education Teachers in Its Areas of Operation
May 20
Radio NUG
The Chin Defense Force – Asho (CDF – Asho) issued a formal statement warning that any form of threat, intimidation, or harassment targeting basic education schoolteachers within its areas of control and adjacent regions will be strictly prohibited and subject to enforcement action.
With the 2025–2026 academic year set to begin, the group emphasized that teachers serving in rural villages across Magway Region, including Ngaphe Township, mountainous zones, and lowland areas under its operations, will not be subjected to threats, harassment, arrests, or any interference in their educational duties.
CDF – Asho affirmed that any individual found perpetrating such actions will face decisive consequences in accordance with the group’s protective policies.
In its appeal, the group called upon all basic education personnel to respect the rights of school-aged children and conduct their duties with sincerity, dedication, and compassion, enabling free and unhindered teaching in local communities.
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๐ฉ๐ฉ 6. A Soldier from Battalion 431 of the Junta Defects with Weapons to the People’s Defense Force in Myeik District
May 20
Radio NUG
A soldier from Battalion 431 under the military junta defected with arms to Battalion 3 of the People’s Defense Force (PDF) based in Myeik District, part of the Tanintharyi Region’s Military Command Zone 35, according to an official announcement.
On May 15, a soldier identified as Chit Ko from Battalion 431 surrendered with the following items:
One MA-1 assault rifle
147 rounds of ammunition
Three magazines
He contacted the resistance forces and defected voluntarily.
He was received by the Commander of PDF Battalion 3 in Myeik District, who accepted the surrendered weapons and ammunition and arranged for the soldier’s proper care and protection.
It was noted that Chit Ko had been forcibly conscripted under the military service law, and had undergone eight weeks of basic military training.
Reports indicate that 14 junta soldiers have defected with their weapons to PDF battalions operating under the Tanintharyi Region’s command during April and May. These defectors have been awarded monetary rewards and are being provided with shelter and protection.
The resistance groups have called on remaining soldiers to join the people at any time, ensuring they will be treated respectfully and supported upon defection.
These military updates were reported by Radio NUG correspondents Tharki, Khur Shel, and Min Sitt Thway.
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