Myanmar Military News Updates – May 23, 2025 Morning
๐ฉ๐ฉ 1. KIA Joint Forces Successfully Shoot Down SAC’s Mi-17 Helicopter with FPV Drone
May 22
Radio NUG
A joint force of the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) reportedly succeeded in shooting down a military junta Mi-17 helicopter using a First-Person View (FPV) drone as it was transporting supplies to SAC’s Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) 21 in Banmaw, according to newly released video documentation.
The footage shows the FPV drone detonating near the main rotor of the Mi-17. A former member of the Cloud Wings drone unit, with experience in drone operations, estimated that the drone likely carried a bomb weighing around 500 grams.
Because of the relatively small explosive payload, the helicopter did not crash immediately despite the close-range blast. The source further explained that had the drone been armed with a more destructive warhead—such as an RPG-7-class shaped charge—it could have downed the aircraft instantly upon impact.
This incident marks the second successful downing of a military helicopter using an FPV drone globally, following the Ukrainian military's precedent in 2024, when they became the first to bring down a Russian Mi-28 helicopter with such technology. The KIA joint force is now the second known group to achieve such a feat.
This strike represents a significant milestone in the resistance forces’ drone warfare capabilities, demonstrating that through accurate intelligence gathering, skilled piloting, and meticulous preparation, such high-value aerial targets can indeed be neutralized.
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๐ฉ๐ฉ 2. Resistance Forces Capture Hilltop Outpost and Detain Junta Soldiers Amid Fighting Near Saung Pyone Village
May 22
Radio NUG
In a recent engagement near Saung Pyone Village in Pinlaung Township, southern Shan State, resistance forces captured a junta and PNO (Pa-O National Organization) joint outpost and apprehended junta soldiers, according to Ta Aye Soe, spokesperson for the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF), speaking to KPV News Agency.
“Near the intersection of Hpeh Khon and Pinlaung, KNDF and allied revolutionary forces launched an attack on a combined SAC-PNO column. We successfully seized one of their hilltop outposts and managed to capture several junta soldiers,” Ta Aye Soe reported.
The junta forces reportedly responded by deploying heavy weaponry, aircraft, and chemical gas bombs. Artillery support was also provided from SAC’s LIB-336 base in Hpeh Khon.
Clashes resumed near Saung Pyone Village on May 17 between the SAC-PNO joint forces and resistance units. The fighting has once again displaced thousands of local civilians, while junta and PNO forces are reported to have set fire to civilian homes in the village.
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๐ฉ๐ฉ 3. Three Junta Military Trucks Carrying Troops and Supplies from Bokpyin to Tanintharyi Attacked
May 22
Radio NUG
At approximately 9:30 a.m. on May 22, three military vehicles transporting junta troops and supplies from Bokpyin toward the Tanintharyi side were ambushed near Ywar Ma Village by members of Tanintharyi Pa Ka Pha (PDF), Zone 3, according to confirmed reports.
One day prior, on May 21, troops from SAC’s Artillery Battalion 306, who were patrolling roads in Banlemut Village, were targeted by a drone bomb strike carried out by Tanintharyi Pa Ka Pha, Zone 5. One junta warrant officer was killed in the attack.
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๐ฉ๐ฉ 4. One Civilian Killed, Two Injured in Airstrikes on Three Areas in Kanbalu Township
May 22
Radio NUG
In Sagaing Region’s Kanbalu Township, the junta carried out airstrikes on three administrative zones—Malai, Kyatthin, and Koetonebo—resulting in the death of one civilian and injuries to two others, according to local activist group Kyunhla-Kanbalu Activists Group.
At 10:00 a.m. on May 21, a fighter jet from the junta’s Taungoo Air Base launched an unprovoked aerial attack on the Buddhist monastery in Kyaukmyay Village, located in the Malai area. The airstrike caused no civilian casualties.
At approximately 11:50 a.m., a junta Y-12 aircraft conducted twelve aerial bombardments on multiple locations: Kangyi Village and Pauksainkon Village in the Kyatthin area, and Thintaw Village and Lwingyi Village in the Koetonebo area.
As a result of these attacks, U Hmine, a 60-year-old man from Pauksainkon, was killed. A 30-year-old man and a woman from Thintaw Village sustained injuries.
Additionally, on April 20, a previous airstrike by the military junta killed six innocent civilians in Thintaw Village.
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๐ฉ๐ฉ 5. Nine-Year-Old Child Killed by Junta Artillery Shelling in Hpapun District
May 22
Radio NUG
According to the Karen National Union (KNU), a nine-year-old child was killed and five others were injured due to artillery shelling by junta forces in Mu Township, Hpapun District, which is under the administration of the KNU in Kawthoolei territory.
On May 19, junta troops from Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) 351 and LIB 60 launched two artillery shells into Ngathwesot Village, resulting in injuries to an 11-year-old child named Naw Thardo Gay Pho and the destruction of two homes.
On May 20, junta forces based in Natthankwin fired a total of six artillery shells into multiple villages: Nawnwa Seik, Anyasu, Yintaitkone, and Naungkone. Additional shelling occurred in agricultural fields between Yele and Maranseinlay villages (1 shell), and between Zalote and Sawbo Kone villages (1 shell). Three more shells were fired at Taungsu Village. Junta troops stationed near Oakphat Bridge also fired one shell into Kyet Tet Nyaung Pin Village.
As a result of these bombardments, Daw Mama (age 53) and Ma Aye Soe (age 38) from Kyet Tet Nyaung Pin Village were injured.
Furthermore, LIB 60 fired a 120mm mortar shell into Maranseinlay Village and six 120mm mortar shells into East Taungsu, West Taungsu, and Kyunkone villages.
The attacks injured Naw Mular Pho (age 40) from Maranseinlay Village and her 11-year-old daughter, Naw Say Pwemoo. Her 9-year-old son, Saw Moo Thawb, was fatally wounded and died as a result of the shelling.
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๐ฉ๐ฉ 6. First Congress of the Student Battalion / Student Guerrilla Force Held in Central Headquarters Region
May 22
Radio NUG
The first congress of the Student Battalion / Student Guerrilla Force was held from May 15 to 20, 2025, in the Central Headquarters Region, according to an official statement.
During the congress, the fundamental principles, aspirations, six core responsibilities, and the foundational charter of the Student Battalion / Student Guerrilla Force were ratified and officially promulgated. In accordance with this foundational charter, the Central Command Committee (War Commission) of the Battalion/Force was elected and appointed. In addition, the political and military roadmap of the Battalion/Force was formally approved.
Based on the ratified foundational charter, the Central Command Committee (War Commission) was structured and appointed with the following members:
Chairperson
Vice Chairperson (1)
Vice Chairperson (2)
General Secretary (1)
General Secretary (2)
General Secretary (3)
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๐ฉ๐ฉ 7. Senior Officer from Mandalay-based Military Council Unit Defects to Local PDF Battalion with Arms
May 22
Radio NUG
A senior sergeant from the Military Council’s No. 13 Light Infantry Battalion under Division 33 has defected to the People’s Defense Forces (PDF), specifically to the No. 5 Battalion under the Mandalay District Command, along with weapons and ammunition, according to an official report.
The sergeant, identified by his military ID (Tac/587***), reportedly made contact and defected in October 2024, bringing with him:
1 MA-3 assault rifle
100 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition
4 magazines
1 equipment pouch
Upon establishing contact and reaching out to defect, he was welcomed by the PDF battalion at a designated location. In recognition of his defection with arms, an honorary reward of MMK 5 million (approximately USD 2,400) was presented to him.
It is reported that the sergeant did not take the full amount of the reward but accepted only what he needed. He is now actively engaged on the frontlines alongside the PDF troops, participating in combat against the military dictatorship.
His decision to defect, demonstrating strong conviction, bravery, and moral clarity, has been officially acknowledged and honored. The statement also encouraged other military and police personnel currently serving under the junta and forcibly conscripted People's Militias to reach out and join the resistance at any time if they wish to do so.
This set of military updates was compiled and reported by Tharki, Khur Shel, and Min Sitt Thway, Radio NUG field correspondents.
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