“Evening Military News”
1. Resistance Groups Appeal to Indian Prime Minister Over Killing of PDF Members in Tamu
Three resistance forces from central Myanmar have jointly sent an open letter to the Prime Minister of India, requesting action against the Arsa-Rohingya group responsible for the killing of 10 members of the Tamu District People’s Defense Force (PDF). The incident reportedly occurred near Kamma Gyi Village, Tamu District, Sagaing Region, along the Myanmar-India border.
The letter, signed and issued in Burmese, English, and Hindi by the Mandalay Coordination Committee of Anti-Dictatorship People’s Forces, the Sagaing Region Strike Forces, and the Magway Region Revolutionary Force Network, urges India to take appropriate legal action under both domestic and international law against the perpetrators.
According to independent media reports and local eyewitnesses, the 10 PDF members were captured by the Arsa-Rohingya group on May 14 and brutally executed. Their bodies were returned to the Tamu PDF on May 16.
The National Unity Government’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledged the incident in Statement No. 4/2025, dated May 20, affirming the unity among resistance forces.
The open letter stresses the importance of transparency and impartial investigation into the killings, calling for justice in line with democratic principles, human rights, and mutual respect between nations. It also emphasizes that stability and peaceful coexistence along the border can only be achieved through cooperation based on shared values.
2. Over 200 PDF Fighters Killed in 2024, More Than 1,000 in 4 Years
More than 200 People’s Defense Force (PDF) fighters were killed in battle during 2024 alone, bringing the total number of PDF casualties to over 1,000 since the military coup, according to Dr. Tu Khaung, Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation (NUG).
“Online, you’ll mostly see negative news about the PDFs or the ‘Three Fingers’ movement. But on the ground, their lives are anything but easy. According to reports from the Ministry of Defense, over 200 PDF fighters have fallen in 2024, and more than 1,000 in total over the past four years. Even today, they are the ones on the front lines, face-to-face with the enemy every day,” he said.
Currently, PDF fighters are actively participating in urban assault operations and the capture of military bases.
“They risk their lives daily, moving around under constant threat of airstrikes. They’re enduring harsh conditions and exhaustion. They’re also working tirelessly to meet fundraising goals for the revolution. I hope the public understands and forgives any shortcomings,” the minister added.
3. KNDO Battalion 7 Holds Weekly Training Graduation Ceremony
The Karen National Defence Organization (KNDO) Battalion 7, under the Karen National Union (KNU) in the Kawthoolei-administered Myeik–Dawei District, successfully held a graduation ceremony for its Weekly Training Batch 1 on May 25, according to a statement released by KNU’s Myeik–Dawei District on May 29.
The ceremony was attended by senior KNDO officials, including Deputy Battalion Commander Major Saw Kyaw Htun, deputy commanders, company commanders, and other military leaders.
This is the first official statement released by the KNU Myeik–Dawei District, and it marks the beginning of their public communication efforts.
The KNU Central Office also announced that the Myeik–Dawei District’s official social media page will continue to release updates on local developments and events to keep the public informed.
4. KNLA Captures Kanelay Military Camp at Thai–Myanmar Border
The Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), along with allied forces, has reportedly captured the Kanelay military camp, which was controlled by the junta near the Thai–Myanmar border in southern Myawaddy, Karen State, according to local military sources.
The assault on the junta’s Kanelay camp began on May 21, and the KNLA-led forces fully overran the camp on the night of May 28.
On the morning of the same day, a military column of 72 junta troops that had reached Son Se Myaing village, the headquarters of the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA), was entirely neutralized by the resistance. That evening, the Kanelay camp was seized.
As junta troops reportedly fled toward Thailand, resistance forces managed to seize a cache of weapons, including 120mm heavy artillery and various other arms and ammunition.
Since March, the joint forces of the KNU-KNLA and People’s Defense Forces (PDFs) have launched continuous assaults against junta outposts near the Thai–Myanmar border. They have successfully captured several bases, including Palu Tu, Kha Lel Dae, Takaw Bikhwi, Mawphathu, Tar Lay, Mel Lay, Mawphoke-Kay, Black Doe, and now Kanelay. According to conflict records, around six more military bases remain to be captured in that region.
Currently, fierce battles continue across various areas of Karen State, including Myawaddy, Hpa-An, Kawkareik, Kyainseikgyi, Papun, and Thandaung, between junta forces and resistance forces led by the KNLA.
Resistance sources also report that the military regime has escalated airstrikes targeting civilian populations, intensifying the humanitarian toll in the ongoing conflict.
5. Drone Bombing of Emergency-Landed Helicopter in Shwegu Town Caught on Video
The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) has released footage showing a drone bombing attack on a military helicopter that made an emergency landing in Shwegu Township, Kachin State.
According to the KIA, on May 20, three helicopters carrying reinforcements, weapons, and ammunition from the 21st Military Operations Command in Bhamo were targeted by the KIA and its allied forces. Out of the three helicopters, one reportedly crashed in a forested area within Shwegu Township, while another was forced to make an emergency landing at the base of Infantry Battalion 56 in Shwegu town.
On May 21, the emergency-landed helicopter was attacked with drone-dropped bombs by the joint forces of the KIA and KPDF. Local sources report that the helicopter and several military vehicles providing security for it were destroyed in the attack.
The KIA stated that the attack involved kamikaze drones, rendering the helicopter completely inoperable.
The KIA and its allied forces reportedly launched coordinated assaults to bring down junta helicopters using all available weaponry. In a separate recent report, resistance forces confirmed that a Mi-17 military helicopter was targeted and struck by a kamikaze drone.
Since the 2021 military coup, the KIA and its allied resistance groups have reportedly shot down four military helicopters and one fighter jet, according to military conflict records.
6. Junta Column Attacked by Drone in Shwebo Township
A military column of the terrorist junta forces that had advanced into Shwebo Township, Sagaing Region, was attacked with drones, according to a statement from the Zarmani Drone Force.
The attack reportedly took place on May 15, targeting junta troops who were advancing from Shwebo toward the areas of Tankontaing, Kyaungmankan, and Thitchopin villages.
According to local resistance forces, approximately three junta soldiers were killed in the drone strike.
It was further reported that the military column re-entered Shwebo town on May 18.
This joint drone attack operation was carried out collaboratively by Zarmani Drone Force – Phoenix Wings, BLACK WOLF-ARMY, Dragon Urban Guerrilla, People’s Servants Group, and Hlattaung Battle Unit.
