CNI News

21 November 2023

The Tatmadaw did not use poison gas bomb while it was fighting against the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA). said Maj-Gen Zaw Min Tun, leader of the Information Team of the Tatmadaw on 19th November 2023. 

When the TNLA had captured the heavy weapon hill, a new camp of the Tatmadaw, the Tatmadaw used poison gas bomb to attack the TNLA, the TNLA stated on 19th November 2023. 

In the same way, it also stated on 4th November 2023 that the Tatmadaw attacked with the poison gas bomb during the Mong Kyet camp battle in Lashio Township.

While seeing the TNLA forces

" The TNLA forces attacked our Kar Kin Gon (defense outpost hill) in Namkham and the Tatmadaw also attacked back. As usual, they complain like that when there are more casualties on their side. Because the frontline security camps in Namkham counterattacked bravely to the enemy, so many enemy troops were killed. I'd like to say that heads of State and the Tatmadaw are proud of officers, soldiers and warrioresses all who fought back against the enemy bravely." said Maj-Gen Zaw Min Tun.

The Tatmadaw would crush down the invaders and carry out for the territorial stability, said Maj-Gen Zaw Min Tun. 

The TNLA has requested neighboring countries and international community to take action against the Tatmadaw that fought with poison gas bomb.

Due to the poison gas bomb used by the Tatmadaw, some TNLA comrades were similarly poisoned and they were feeling dizziness, breathing fast, nauseous, rapid excitement, fatigue, severe oxygen deficiency and they are being cured by the TNLA's health department, said in the statement released by the TNLA.

While seeing the statement released by the TNLA

Regarding the statement that poison gas bombs were used, it was difficult to prove and the Tatmadaw would use any weapon that it could, U Than Soe Naing, a Myanmar political commentator, told CNI News.

" Regarding that, it's hard to say. But military council will use any weapon that it can. It was said not long ago that the Tatmadaw used cluster bombs.. But any technological evidence was not found. We can only speculate on the impact. Besides, regarding the bomb was dropped on the KIA refugee camp, it has not yet been identified what the bomb is. So, it's difficult for me to give an opinion." said U Than Soe Naing.

With its allies - the Arakan Army and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), the TNLA is waging the Operation-1027 in northern Shan State and fighting against the Tatmadaw.

CNI News

21 November 2023

Nationalist elements protested against China to stop interfering in the internal affairs of Myanmar on 19th November 2023 because they have believed that China is behind the Operation-1027 being waged by the Three Brotherhood Alliance (AA, TNLA and MNDAA). 

Nationalist elements protested against China in front of the Chinese Embassy in Yangon and in front of the City Hall of Yangon.

They protested against China, holding handheld signs that have been written as follow: "Protest against those who interfere in the internal affairs, We don't accept the plot that the union will be disintegrated. 

This is our country - our union - our domestic affairs. Who is interfering? Protect the motherland. Let's protect the union together.

While nationalist elements were protesting against China on 19th November 2023

Moreover, they also protested holding slogan demanding China to stop supporting terrorist attacks taking place in northern Shan State.

In cooperation with the Bamar People Liberation Army (BPLA), the People's Liberation Army (PLA), the Karenni Nationalities Defense Army (KNDF), the Burmese National Revolutionary Army (BNRA), the People's Defense Force-Mandalay (PDF-MDY), the Three Brotherhood Alliance has been launching the Operation-1027 since 27th October, 2023 in Theinni, Thibaw, Naunghkio, Kyaukme, Mong Ko, Phaung Sai, Kyukote (Pang Sai), Namkham, Muse, Lashio, Chin Shwe Haw Townships. 

The operation has been attacking the Tatmadaw camps and is waging battles to capture towns and cities.

The Chinese government had probably known when or in which situation that operation would end. If China did not agree, the Three Brotherhood Alliance would not launch the operation. Moreover, China was supporting the operation, said domestic politicians and military experts.

So, the nationalist elements have been staging protests against the Chinese government in Yangon and Naypyidaw since the third week of this month.

CNI News
19 November 2023

Military and political experts are reviewing how the Tatmadaw is changing its military strategy. The Tatmadaw's local battalions are joined by weak outposts and police stations and they are attacking the revolutionary forces in response.

If a battle broke out, police or soldiers desert their weaker camps and should join the stronger camps, Dr.Aung Myo, a Myanmar political commentator told CNI News.

" In the past, troops were distributed at all camps. For example, a camp might have 10 forces. Of them, when a troop took leave, the camp had gone weaker. At that time, if the forces had not prepared, they might have been hurt. If they would desert their camp, they would have to ask order. If they didn't want to ask order, they might have been hurt after being attacked. But now, weak camps have joined in stronger camps. It is called 'moving defense'. It's a thing that should be done. Soldiers from the Tatmadaw had to surrender for the sake of their children and families. It was not a big deal." said Dr.Aung Myo.

While some troops from the Tatmadaw were surrendering at the MNDAA

All the troops from the Light Infantry Battalion-129 and their families surrendered at the Three Brotherhood Alliance on 12th November, 2023 reportedly. That the entire battalion surrendered was true and they had to surrender because it might be dangerous to the lives of their families, U Kyi Myint, a Myanmar political commentator told CNI News.

" They surrendered really. They didn't receive reinforcement. They didn't believe one another. They felt they were used. So, they don't want to sacrifice their lives anymore. Moreover, they were worried that their families would be killed at the battle." said U Kyi Myint.

Moreover, Rikhawdar Town, Falam Township, Chin State near India-Myanmar border was captured by the revolutionary forces on 14th November 2023 and security forces fled to the Indian side and took refuge.

While seeing jet fighters from the Myanmar Tatmadaw

In the same way, 32 security forces surrendered during the battle in Loikaw, the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF) stated on 15th November 2023.

At present,the battles are taking place in Kayin, Kayah, Chin States, northern Shan State, Rakhine State, Sagaing and Magway Regions between the Tatmadaw and revolutionary forces including some EAOs.

Myanmar Tatmadaw might change its military strategy. Otherwise, it might face with military and political crises more, said military experts.

CNI News
19 November 223

An MoU has been signed to export coarse salt produced in Mon State to South Korea according to the Mon State Salt Business Association.

Due to South Korea's demand for salt, an MoU was signed with a company from South Korea on the last week of September and arrangements were made to export salt from Myanmar to South Korea, U Khin Soe, a salt expert from Mon State, told CNI News.

" The chairman of the cable car company in Kyaiktiyo offered a South Korea company to export salt from Mon State to South Korea. And then the company came to Myanmar and inspected the quality of the salt from Mon State. After that, they signed an MoU." he said.

Although three million tons of salt is produced in South Korea each year, its demand for salt is about seven million tons reportedly.

While seeing salt industry

Preparations must be made to meet the required standards so that the salt produced in Mon State can be exported to South Korea, said salt businessmen.

If salt is exported to South Korea, salt farmers will have a market and they will carry out to meet the required standard, Ko Kyaw Lwin, a salt farmer from Thanbyuzayat Township, told CNI News.

" That salt can be exported is an opportunity for us. South Korea wants to import salt from 10 to 20 percent of their needs. That South Korea wants to connect with Myanmar is a good sign. The price of salt fetches a good price and will be stable. Salt farmers in Mon State will carry out to get the required quality for export 30 percent of salt farmers in Mon State are performing to get the quality that can be exported." he said.

At present, as salt farmers in Mon State have sold their salt that they have stored, the price of salt is a bit falling and the price of coarse salt is about 200 kyats per viss (1 viss equals to 3.6 lb).

More than 50,000 tons of salt are produced annually from more than 4,500 acres of salt fields in Mon State and the salt is used in Mon State, Bago, Tanintharyi and Yangon Regions reportedly.

CNI News
19 November 2023

As the country is facing with crises in politics, economy and peace due to the current battles breaking out in the country, a question is emerging among the political circles in relation to how the Tatmadaw would handle the crises.

The armed conflict has become more widespread due to the political landscape that changed after 1st February 2021.

After that, the Three Brotherhood Alliance (AA, TNLA and MNDAA) is waging battles capturing towns and cities during the Operation-1027 started on 27th October 2023.

In the same way, armed forces called PDF (the People's Defense Force) are waging battles capturing towns and cities. If the Tatmadaw could not control these situations, EAOs probably would demand confederation higher than federalism, Col.Khun Okka, an EAO leader, told CNI News.

While meeting senior military officials from the Tatmadaw at the 8th anniversary celebration of the NCA

" If the Tatmadaw cannot control, some EAOs could demand confederation. But it needs to be nationwide. If all the stakeholders want federalism, we have to use federalism. It might be difficult if some EAOs want confederation." he said.

The Arakan Army (AA) and the Tatmadaw that ceased fire in sympathy with the public harm resume fighting on 13th November.

The Tatmadaw might be able to control these situations, Dr.Aung Myo, a Myanmar political commentator, told CNI News.

" It depends on the Tatmadaw. In my opinion, the Tatmadaw hasn't done anything innovative. It would be able to control many situations if it armed those supporting the Tatmadaw with weapons. It's hard to say what the Tatmadaw will do next for the time being. I think they will understand what they will do." said Dr.Aung Myo.

The battles are breaking out between the Tatmadaw and the revolutionary forces including some EAOs in Kayin, Kayah, Chin, Shan (north), Rakhine States, Sagaing and Magway Regions.

CNI News
19 November 2023

Behind the operations Three Brotherhood Alliance (AA, TNLA and MNDAA) is waging in northern Shan State is China, which some EAO leaders and nationalist elements have believed.

So, nationalist elements made protests against China in Naypyidaw and Yangon on 16th November 2023. Ko Sithu Myint, vise chairman of the Myanmar Nationalists Network and Yangon patriots protested in Yangon.

Naung Taw Lay, general secretary of the network and Naypyidaw patriots protested in Naypyidaw.

" I just want to tell them to put out the fire that they set on by themselves. Countries involved know what I mean. The State Administration Council (SAC) held the 8th anniversary celebration of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA). By turning a blind eye to these, they are making the country unstable, which we have no reason to accept. It is not that we are supporting the Tatmadaw. We are just protecting our three national causes. Because we see that they are encroaching on our sovereignty, our network make a protest today." said Ko Sithu Myint.

While Myanmar nationalist elements were protesting against China in Naypyidaw and Yangon on 16th November 2023

In cooperation with the Bamar People Liberation Army (BPLA), The People's Defense Force-Mandalay (PDF-MDY), and the People's Liberation Army (PLA), the Three Brotherhood Alliance - the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army(MNDAA), the Arakan Army (AA) and the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) started the Operation-1027 on 27th October in Theinni, Namkham, Muse, Chin Shwe Haw, Naunghkio, Phaungsai and Kyukote (Pangsai) in northern Shan State and are fighting against the Tatmadaw camps.

After that, they are capturing towns and cities.

Because northern allies and PDFs are using China-made weapons and drones and fighting against the Tatmadaw, China should prevent it, military experts pointed out.

While the MNDAA was capturing the Tatmadaw camps in northern Shan State

Kachin, China and Wa might take part in planning the operation, said Col.Khun Okka, an EAO leader.

" China has known it in advance, I think. But China won't tell directly. China might tell through Wa. Kachin also participate in planning the operation. So, behind the operation might be Kachin, Wa and China." said Col. Khun Okka to CNI News.

At present, the Three Brotherhood Alliance (AA, MNDAA and TNLA) is attacking the Tatmadaw camps and waging battles capturing towns and cities in northern Shan State and so are the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF) and the Karenni Army (KA) in Kayah State and so is the Arakan Army (AA) in Rakhine State and so are the Karen
National Union (KNU) and the People's Defense Force (PDF) in Kayin State and so are the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the PDF in Kachin State and so are the KIA, the AA, PDF and ABSDF in Sagaing Region.

Behind these armed forces seem to be China and US.

Nationalist groups made protests to condemn foreign interference and oppose interference in internal affairs in Naypyidaw and Yangon.

CNI News
17 November 2023

As the water vehicles that were ferrying between Kyauktaw and Paletwa have been suspended due to the battles breaking out in Rakhine State, rice cannot be bought in Paletwa Township, Chin State reportedly.

Because Rakhine State Administration Council have closed all the roads and waterways in Rakhine State, the water vehicle that ferried between Kyauktaw and Paletwa twice a week has been suspended.

Paletwa Township had to depend on medicines and other products including basic foodstuff from Kyauktaw and since the ferry stopped, rice has not been able to be bought in Paletwa, a Paletwa resident told CNI News.

“The roads including waterways between Kyauktaw and Yangon, between Kyauktaw and Sittwe, between Kyauktaw and Paletwa have been closed. We can't buy rice in Paletwa anymore. We have been buying rice since two or three years ago. Even though you have enough money, you can't buy rice because there was no rice since Tuesday." he said.

Rakhine State Council provided ferry service twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays since 2022. Because that route has been closed, although other routes can be used, it is not convenient due to regional instability reportedly.

While people are preparing to travel through Paletwa-Kyauktaw waterway

Moreover, rice paddy that has been grown on the hill-side fields in Paletwa Township has not been able to be harvested because of territorial instability. So, he hoped to re-open the waterway between Kyauktaw and Paletwa as soon as possible, U Maung Thein, a Paletwa resident, told CNI News.

" Because there is not enough rice in our township, rice is carried from Pakokku to Mindat, from Mindat to Matupi, from Matupi to Paletwa. It is a long way. But now that route has been closed. We have only two routes - Kyauktaw - Paletwa waterways and Paletwa- Smee- Matupi road. The goods from Nagaland tend to come in. That route has not been closed, I think. But there are not a lot of goods on that side. It's necessary to re-open Kyauktaw-Paletwa waterway as soon as possible. Otherwise, we all here have got into trouble because we can't reap our hill-side rice paddy." he said,

When the Kyauktaw-Paletwa waterway was open, Paletwa residents were allowed to carry rice and some commodities in limited amount. When carrying like that, it was convenient only if there was approval from the relevant departments reportedly.

CNI News

17 November 2023

Saying that US and China are supporting armed groups from behind, Myanmar nationalist groups were protesting against the two country in Yangon and Naypyidaw on 16th November 2023.

Ko Sithu Myint, vise chairman of the Myanmar Nationalists Network and Yangon patriots protested against US and China in Yangon. Naung Taw Lay, general secretary of the network and Naypyidaw patriots protested against the two countries in Naypyidaw.

" I just want to tell them to put out the fire that they set on by themselves. Countries involved know what I mean. The State Administration Council (SAC) held the 8th anniversary celebration of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA). By turning a blind eye to these, they are making the country unstable, which we have no reason to accept. It is not that we are supporting the Tatmadaw. We are just protecting our three national causes. Because we see that they are encroaching on our sovereignty, our network make a protest today." said Ko Sithu Myint.

In cooperation with the Bamar People Liberation Army (BPLA), The People's Defense Force-Mandalay (PDF-MDY), and the People's Liberation Army (PLA), the Three Brotherhood Alliance - the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army(MNDAA), the Arakan Army (AA) and the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) started the Operation-1027 on 27th October in Theinni, Namkham, Muse, Chin Shwe Haw, Naunghkio, Phaungsai and Kyukote (Pangsai) in northern Shan State and are capturing towns and cities.

In the same way, the Karenni National Defense Force (KNDF), the Karenni Army (KA), are fighting against the Tatmadaw camps to capture towns and cities in Kayah State and so is the AA in Rakhine State and so are the Karen National Union (KNU) and the PDFs in Kayin State and so are the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the PDFs in Kachin State and so are the KIA, the AA, the PDF, the All Burma Students Democratic Front (ABSDF) in Sagaing Region.

It is believed by local people that US and China are behind these armed forces. So, nationalist groups condemned foreign interference and made protests in Naypyidaw and Yangon.

CNI News

16 November 2023

A letter that has described that the Kawthoolei Government has been formed is coming out among revolutionary forces. 

According to the description in that letter, Saw Nerdah Bo Mya is the President of the Kawthoolei Government. Saw Bar Wah and Saw Sa Gay Poe are Vice Presidents.

Saw Nerdah Bo Mya was dismissed as the head of the Karen National Defense Organization (KNDO) under the Karen National Union (KNU). 

After that, he broke away from the KNU and established the Kawthoolei Army (KTLA) and is fighting against the Tatmadaw.