Myanmar Military News Updates – Jul 17, 2025 Morning
๐ฉ๐ฉ 1. Intense Fighting Continues in Naung Cho Town; PSLF/TNLA Civil Administration Relocates
July 16
Radio NUG
In Naung Cho, a town in northern Shan State under the control of the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), intense fighting continues, and civil administrative functions have become increasingly difficult to maintain. As a result, PSLF/TNLA (the political wing of the TNLA) has announced the relocation of its civil administration offices to safer areas.
Since May 2025, the military junta has launched full-scale attacks on Naung Cho town and surrounding villages. These operations include heavy ground assaults, airstrikes, artillery bombardments, and the use of chemical gas bombs—reportedly conducted on a daily basis.
The junta has not limited its attacks to active combat zones; they have also deliberately targeted civilian areas with air and artillery strikes, causing mass displacement. Civilians have been fleeing to nearby towns to escape the violence.
From May to July 15, 2025, junta attacks—intentionally directed at civilians—have killed 23 people and injured 88 in towns including Kyaukme, Naung Cho, Hsipaw, Mogok, and Mongngawt. The assaults have also damaged or destroyed:
- 8 religious buildings
- 8 schools
- 220 homes
Specifically in Naung Cho, from May to July 15, there were:
- 391 clashes between TNLA and junta forces
- 106 airstrikes
- 162 drone attacks
- 4,692 artillery strikes
- 186 chemical gas bomb incidents
Fighting is ongoing as of today.
The TNLA urges civilians in conflict zones to remain vigilant, avoid getting trapped during clashes, and follow airstrike safety guidelines. It also warns people in Kyaukme, Hsipaw, Mogok, and Mongngawt to be extra cautious, as these areas have also been frequently subjected to air attacks.
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๐ฉ๐ฉ 2. Ambush Near Pakokku Airport Kills Six Junta Troops, Including One Officer
July 16
Radio NUG
An ambush on a junta patrol west of Pakokku Airport, in Magway Region, resulted in the deaths of six soldiers, including an officer, according to a statement by Southern YSO PDF.
The attack took place around 3:00 PM on July 15, when junta troops patrolling west of the airport encountered a pre-planned ambush by the Southern Yesagyo Local (main force). A firefight broke out between the junta’s peripheral security team and the resistance fighters, lasting about 25 minutes.
The clash reportedly left:
- 6 soldiers dead, including one officer from Infantry Battalion 254
- 3 others injured
The bodies of the deceased soldiers were transported to Pakokku town on July 16 around midday, using a green three-wheeled vehicle, according to the report.
The operation was carried out jointly by:
- Southern Yesagyo Local Battalion
- Southern YSO PDF
- People’s Force PDF
- Daung Nyi Naung
- Yesagyo Revolution Group (YRG)
- King Cobra Force
The resistance alliance reported that they completed the mission without any casualties on their side.
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๐ฉ๐ฉ 3. PDF Forces Raid Pyusawhti Camp in Myin Chan Where Members Were Using Drugs — 2 Pyusawhti Killed, Weapons Seized
July 16
Radio NUG
In Myin Chan Township, Mandalay Region, a Pyusawhti camp located in Let Thit Village was raided by resistance forces, resulting in two Pyusawhti members killed and the seizure of military supplies, according to a report by Bo Mike Khae.
On July 16 at around 12:00 PM, resistance fighters stormed the Pyusawhti base where 10 members were reportedly using narcotic drugs. During the operation, a firefight broke out.
As a result of the clash, 2 Pyusawhti members were killed, and the following items were seized:
2 hand grenades
2 magazines
1 box of military supplies
The resistance force reportedly withdrew safely without casualties.
Additionally, during the operation, resistance fighters fired upon a vehicle departing from Myin Chan Town that was believed to be transporting reinforcements or supplies. The exact impact of this attack remains unknown.
This operation was carried out by the “People’s Star” resistance group, who stated it was a retaliation for the loss of a comrade during the June 2 battle at Tuwinbo Village.
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๐ฉ๐ฉ 4. New Regime Recruits Who Defected to KNLA Say They Were Forced Into the Frontlines
July 16
Radio NUG
Newly recruited soldiers of the military junta have stated that they were forced to the frontlines in active conflict zones, leading them to defect to the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA).
These statements were published by the KNLA Central Command on July 15 and 16, based on interviews with defectors from the “Aung Zeya” military operation, which was active in Kayin State.
Among the defectors were:
Kaung Htet Aung from Infantry Battalion 355 under Military Division 12
Aung Naing Lay, also from IB 355
Nyaung Phyo Wai from Infantry Battalion 117
Their video testimonies were released publicly.
Kaung Htet Aung explained:
“They forced us into impossible tasks and threw us into the frontlines like cannon fodder. That’s why I left.”
Aung Naing Lay added:
“They ordered us to do things that couldn’t realistically be done. That’s why I defected.”
He also described conditions inside the military as abusive and oppressive, with threats like:
“If you retreat during a battle, you’ll be shot dead.”
Defector Nyaung Phyo Wai said that he had attempted to flee the military during training but was caught and tortured. After completing training, he was forcibly deployed to the frontlines under IB 117 in Hpa-an.
He revealed that he had long harbored hatred toward the junta, and criticized the forced conscription of youth, stating that even parents oppose it.
The defectors urged fellow soldiers still within the military to lay down their arms and join the revolution, abandoning support for the military council.
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๐ฉ๐ฉ 5. Two Junta Soldiers from Paungde Town Defect to PDF with Weapons
July 16
Radio NUG
Two soldiers from the 53rd Light Infantry Battalion (LIB 53) based in Paungde Township, Pyi District, Bago Region, defected to the People’s Defense Forces (PDF) under Battalion 3601, part of Strategic Command 21, according to a formal statement.
The defection occurred on July 9, and the two soldiers brought with them:
1 MA-4 rifle
1 MA-3 rifle
384 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition
16 40mm grenades
1 hand grenade
8 magazines
Upon arrival, the two defectors were provided with full medical care by Battalion 3601 and were each awarded a monetary reward of 7 million MMK. Additionally, local civilians contributed another 1 million MMK in recognition.
The statement affirmed that any junta soldiers who wish to defect with their weapons will be welcomed and properly rewarded.
These military updates were reported by Radio NUG correspondents Min Sit Thway and Kharshel.
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