CNI News
17 July 2025

Town-seizing battles by ethnic armed groups and democratic armed groups lasted a few days only, now the battles have lasted until years, so the capability of these groups has declined, said U Than Soe Naing, a political commentator.

He  said the above in an exclusive interview with Burma News Network.

“In the past, our revolutionary groups were able to capture a camp in a week or 10 days. Now it takes months. Now that we possibly have to take years, it is very clear how slow our offensive speed has become. Now, it takes about 6 months to capture an important military base. That's not certain either. It hasn't been certain to be able to capture Kyaukphyu and Sittwe as well as Bhamo and Myitkyina. Meanwhile, Chin armed groups are also fighting each other due to differences of opinion among themselves. Apart from the Karen group's movement, the revolutionary struggle of ethnic groups across the country also seems to be stagnant. The situation of armed groups in the plains gets worse." said U Than Soe Naing.

Ethnic armed groups and pro-democracy forces have claimed to have captured more than 90 cities in Myanmar, but the Myanmar Tatmadaw is waging counter offensives now and gradually retaking them. The Myanmar Tatmadaw has captured Mobye Township in Kayah State and Naungcho Township in northern Shan State this month.

When the Tatmadaw has captured Mobye Town

Then, the Myanmar Tatmadaw is trying to capture Kyaukme, Hsipaw, and Theinni in northern Shan State, and is also trying to retake Thabeikkyin Township in Mandalay Region.

Amidst these situations, opposition individuals lash out at and demand the NUG, the PDF and the People's Administrative Groups to reform.

The Arakan Army (AA) has also failed to seize Kyaukphyu and Sittwe in Rakhine State. Similarly, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) has also been unsuccessful in its offensives to capture Bhamo in Kachin State as well as Homalin and Banmauk in Sagaing Region.

On the other hand, the SAC is preparing to hold elections in 267 townships.

While seeing the SAC Chairman and political parties

U Than Soe Naing said, “If we can't launch a general offensive that can capture Naypyidaw before this election, there is a possibility that the military council will achieve the legitimacy after collaborating with international reactionary elements."

The SAC will hold elections in phases in December 2025 and January 2026, and state power would be handed over to the party that wins the election, said the SAC Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.

CNI News

17 July 2025

There are speculations among military and political analysts about who will be the leader in the post-election changes in the government and military. 

Since the SAC has promised to hold elections in Myanmar in December 2025 and January 2026, it is assumed that elections will be held.

Local and international observers are closely watching and analyzing who will be the next head of the government and military after the election. 

Myanmar political analyst Dr. Aung Myo told CNI News that if the elections were held, the Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Services could change the name of the position and take on the position of head  of the government.

While seeing Acting President, Commander in Chief of Defense Services, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing

“The election will definitely be held. It is the exit of the SAC, and it is the exit of the people as well. That is why the elections must be held. After the elections, a civilian government will come to power. Since a civilian government will come to power, the military will also have to be restructured. Then, the current leaders will have to be replaced by a younger group of people in the military. I can't say in detail how they will be replaced. Who will be head of head of the government that will come to power, to tell you the truth, will be the C in C. He might change the name of his position." said Dr. Aung Myo.

Currently, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing holds the positions of SAC Chairman, Caretaker Government Prime Minister, Acting President, and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Services.

Military and political observers have pointed out that if elections are held, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing could transition to the presidency in the new government, while the position of Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces could be handed over to someone he trusts.

While seeing those protesting against the SAC and the Myanmar Tatmadaw (Photo-Frontier Myanmar)

The  diplomatic circles local and abroad believe that Senior General Min Aung Hlaing could create a position above the army chief by forming a group called the Central Military Commission to continue leading the military in addition to the presidency. 

They point out that just as the National League for Democracy (NLD) government enacted the State Counsellor Law to create a position above President U Win Myint, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing could also create it.

The SAC chairman would surely hold elections because he wanted the presidency. Dr. Hla Kyaw Zaw, a China-Myanmar affairs analyst, told CNI News.

"(Senior General) Min Aung Hlaing will surely hold elections because he wants to be president so much. But who will recognize the election? Malaysia and ASEAN have said directly that they don't recognize the election. He seems to think he can hold on to the presidency until he is about 80, like General Ne Win and General Than Shwe. We won't recognize elections at all. The public won't recognize them either." said Dr. Hla Kyaw Zaw.

The upcoming election will be held under two systems: the first past the post (FPTP) which were previously used and the proportional representation (PR) system, , and the election will be held in 267 townships, according to the Union Election Commission (UEC).

CNI News
16 July 2025

The Myanmar Tatmadaw lost control of Naungcho Town, in northern Shan State in 2024, but it has regained control of the town on July 16, 2025, said locals.

The second wave of Operation-1027 was launched by the Ta'ang National Liberation Army in June, 2024 and TNLA, DPLA and MDY-PDF were able to control the town.

And then, joint forces led by the TNLA. Then, the joint forces led by the TNLA continued its offensive to capture Taung Kham near Pyin Oo Lwin, but the forces had to withdraw due to the Myanmar Tatmadaw's resistance.

While distributing food to children in some neighborhoods of Naungcho Town

Therefore, after capturing Taung Kham, the Myanmar Tatmadaw launched an offensive to regain control of Naungcho Town starting in February 2025, and was able to regain control of Naungcho Town on July 16.

In the offensive to regain control of Naung Cho, columns from  Division-11 and Division-55 took control of Taung Ward and Pahat Ward on July 13, 2025, and the market ward and downtown areas on July 15.

Then,  after the Myanmar Tatmadaw captured the police station, General Administration Office, and departmental buildings in Naungcho on July 16, it was able to takie control of the entire town, according to locals and people close to the military.

CNI News

16 July 2025

The SAC's implementation of the digital currency system may be an effort to reduce inflation and the printing of banknotes, businessman U Aung Pyae Sone told CNI News.

If SAC is to implement a digital currency system, it needs to improve internet connections, build a nationwide network, and strengthen the security of digital currency users, pointed out economic analysts.

Currently in Myanmar, digital money usage is not convenient due to poor internet connections; payment systems are being hacked and money is being lost; and there is a lack of enforcement against those who hack digital money users' money, and that digital money services are being charged irregularly without any set rates, the people pointed out.

Successive governments have tried to build a digital currency system, and the SAC may be trying to implement a digital currency system in order to reduce inflation, businessman U Aung Pyae Sone told CNI News.

While the MMQR system was being introduced

“Successive governments have been trying to implement this digital currency system. Our neighboring countries are also using digital currencies. But what SAC wants to do it at this time, I think, is two parts. As the first part, the SAC tries to move towards a progressive direction with the changes in the global monetary system.Secondly, the SAC has intended to reduce the printing of banknotes, I think. A sure thing is that the Central Bank's printing of new banknotes will be reduced and we will use numbers. In my opinion, the government want to control it," he said.

Economic analysts point out that it will be difficult for the digital currency system to succeed in Myanmar if only 15 percent of the country's population can use digital currency and 85 percent cannot.

Regarding the security of the digital currency system, Ko Zaw Min Naing, an agricultural and economic advisor, told CNI News that hacking by internal employees is more likely than hacking from outside, and that the security of the digital currency system needs to be taken care of.

While the SAC Chairman was being explained about the MMQR system

“Honestly, I think it’s more likely that relevant employees hack more than from those outside. Because there’s not much public sharing about these kinds of things. The public only has access to information about the most talked about things. In fact, bank staffs hack more than external hackers hack. Another thing is online Zha pian, which is related to the public awareness." he said.

Currently, online fraud gangs in Myanmar and internationally are committing online fraud through digital money systems, and some people are facing financial losses because those who hack digital money systems in collaboration with employees of relevant businesses.

Similarly, due to the ongoing fighting across Myanmar, internet access is unavailable and electricity is being cut off, making it very difficult to use digital currency in rural areas, except in major cities such as Yangon, Mandalay, and Nay Pyi Taw. The SAC launched MMQR, Myanmar's National QR Standard for digital payments, in February 2025.

The Myanmar QR (MMQR) system is a national-level digital payment QR code system.

CNI News

16 July 2025

Dr. Thiri Mon Chan who was dismissed from the position a few days ago has been appointed as the chairman of the political and military steering committee and as the commander in chief by the Mon State Defense Force (MSDF), announced the MSDF on July 15, 2025. 

The MSDF announced that a meeting was held at the Mon State Defense Force (military headquarters) on July 13, 2025, and the vacant Political and Military Steering Committee and Military General Staff were re-elected and assigned responsibilities.

Then, the Political and Military Steering Committee was formed with Dr. Thiri Mon Chan (Chairman), Naikret Manike (Secretary), Lieutenant Colonel Naing Ngwe (Member), Major Chan Ton, Captain Aung Soe Moe (Member), Minadi Chan (Treasurer), Mi Sandanun (Public Relations Officer). In addition, the MSDF announced that the military command team was formed by Dr. Thiri Mon Chan (Commander-in-Chief), Lieutenant Colonel Naing Ngwe (member), Naikret Manike (member), Major Chan Ton (member), and Captain Aung Soe Moe (member).

While seeing the statement saying the appointment of Dr. Thiri Mon Chan

The Mon State Defense Force (MSDF) held its regular meeting of the Political and Military Steering Committee (6/2024) on February 18, 2024, and reconstituted the Political and Military Steering Committee and Dr. Thiri Mon Chan was elected as its chairman by the committee members, announced the MSDF on July 10, 2025.

The Political and Military Steering Committee of the MSDF called an emergency meeting on July 9, 2025 and according to the desire of members of the committee, The committee decided to unconditionally revoke all responsibilities assigned to Dr. Thiri Mon Chan and dismiss him from the MSDF.

While seeing the statement saying the dismissal of Dr. Thiri Mon Chan

The MSDF announced that within the next month, the MSDF Political and Military Steering Committee will be expanded and new members will be elected and appointed to carry out revolutionary duties. The Mon State Defense Force (MSDF) was formed on September 16, 2021, and on December 18, 2024, four Mon armed groups joined together to form the Mon Army in which the MSDF was included.

Currently, the Mon army consists of the Mon State Liberation Army (MLA), the Mon National Liberation Army (MNLA-AD), the Mon State Defense Force (MSDF), and the Mon State Revolutionary Army (MSRF).

CNI News

16 July 2025

If the State Administration Council returned power to the National Defense and Security Council (NDSC) in order that elections could be held, it was impossible to have  major changes in Myanmar politics and peace, chairman of the Tai Leng (Shanni) Nationalities Development Party (TNDP), Sai Htay Aung told CNI News. 

Extension of the state of emergency for another six months will expire by the end of this month and the SAC has promised that elections will be held in December, 2025 and January, 2026.

Military and political analysts have deemed that the SAC will return power to the NDSC so that elections could be held. Even though the SAC returned power to the NDSC, major changes could not take place under the administration of the NDSC, said the TNDP chairman Sai Htay Aung.

While the NDSC meeting was being held

" I see the peace process is on its path separately. If the SAC returns power to the NDSC, I don't think major changes will emerge because Senior General Min Aung Hlaing is Prime Minister of the caretaker government, chairman of the SAC and Acting President. And the NDSC's management is in the hands of the Acting President. So, I don't think major changes will emerge. So, he's talking about elections and has guaranteed to hold elections. He seems to continue it." he said..

Invitations for peace would remain if the SAC returned power to the NDSC, Dr. Aung Myo, a Myanmar political analyst, told CNI News.

While seeing the SAC chairman and political parties

" If power is handed over to the NDSC or the Tatmadaw, it will surely continue invitations for peace because the SAC is now holding Peace Talks and Peace Forums. The process of the NCA will go on. Invitations for peace will remain. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing emphasizes the peace process." he said.

Elections would be held in 267 townships in phases, the Union Election Commission told CNI News.

The SAC will hold elections under two systems: the first-past-the-post (FPTP) that the candidate with the most votes becomes the MP, which was previously used,  and proportional representation (PR), according to the Election Commission (UEC)

CNI News

15 July 2025

The Indian army and Indian security forces attacked several military camps of the ULFA-I, an ally of the National Social Council of Nagaland-K/AM (NSCN-K/AM)in the the United Base area in the Naga Self-Administered Zone, Sagaing Region, Myanmar, using drones and heavy weapons on July 13, 2025, stated the NSCN-K/AM on July 14, 2025.

The attack took place at between 1:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. of the Myanmar Standard Time and the command headquarters of the ULFA-I at Hoyat Village in the Eastern Konyak Area was attacked, reported the NSCN-K/AM.

Attackers from Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh States used drones and missiles and during the attack, the ULFA-I's Lt-Gen Nayan Asom or Nayan Medhi, Brig-Gen Lahon or Ganesh Asom, Colonel Pradip Asom and two comrades were killed, released the NSCN-K/AM.

While seeing Lt-Gen Nayan Asom/Nayan Medhi who was killed because of India's attack

" Brotherhood revolutionary groups including the ULFA that has good relations with the NSCN-K are based in the areas controlled by the NSCN-K in the Naga Self-Administered Zone. Because the NSCN-K has taken the responsibility for the security of those living in the United Base area, it is carrying out official ceasefire. The ULFA-I officials and cadres who sacrificed their lives were good friends of the Naga army." said the NSCN-K/AM.

The NSCN-K/AM led by chairman Maj-Gen Ang Mai was carrying out a ceasefire process with the Myanmar Tatmadaw, said in the statement. In the northeast of India, there are armed groups such as Meitei, Kuki, Naga, Assamese, Bodolan, Zomi, NSCN-K/AM and ULFA-I that are fighting against the Indian government.

Then, armed groups fighting for the liberation of seven states in the northeastern region of India formed an alliance under the name United National Liberation Front of Western South East Asia (UNLFWSEA).

Those living in the WESEA region (the region that includes northeastern region of India and border areas of both Bangladesh and Myanmar) lost their courageous soldiers in protecting their common goal sovereignty, said the NSCN-K/AM.

CNI News

15 July 2025

The ULFA-I said in a statement that three leaders were killed and several comrades were injured when the Indian Army attacked the military camps of the Assamese rebel group ULFA-I in Hoyat village, Lahe Township, Naga Self-Administered Zone, Sagaing Region, Myanmar, on the morning of July 13, 2025.

The Indian Army attacked four ULFA-I camps between 1 am and 9 am using UAV drones and heavy weapons from inside Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh states.

Due to the attack, the ULFA's leaders,  Lt. Gen. Nayyan Aasu (also known as Nayyan Madi), Brigadier General Lahun (also known as Ganesh Aasu), and Colonel Pradish Aasu and two comrades were killed, said an Naga armed group, an ally of the ULFA-I.

It is reported that National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Kaplan (NSCN-K) camps were also located near the ULFA-I camps when they were attacked. 

“We would like to tell the people of Assam that we are determined to avenge this brutal attack by the colonial expansionist Indian army,” the ULFA-I said in a statement.

A military camp of the ULFA-I that was attacked

CNI News reached out to Myanmar authorities regarding the attack on UNFA-I camps on the Myanmar side, but they have not yet responded.

The ULFA-I is an armed group fighting for the independence of Assam and is attacking the Indian Army.

In the northeast of India, there are armed groups such as Katha, Kuki, Naga, Assamese, Bodolan, and Zomi, that are fighting against the Indian government.

Then, armed groups fighting for the liberation of seven states in the northeastern region of India formed an alliance under the name United National Liberation Front of Western South East Asia (UNLFWSEA).

CNI News

15 July 2025

A civilian government would come to power if elections were held in Myanmar and military and political analysts are considering what might be the first issues the government would face. 

The SAC chairman has said that elections will be held in December 2025 and January 2026, so if they were actually held, a civilian government would emerge.

The emerging civilian government must first resolve the nearly five-year armed conflict, which is an internal matter, Sai Htay Aung, chairman of the Tai Leng (Shanni) National Development Party (TNDP), told CNI News.

“The first thing the incoming government will have to deal with is domestic problems. The armed revolution will have to be resolved first. The second thing it will have to deal with is diplomacy. It will have to try to handle international diplomacy. If it can handle international diplomacy successfully, it will be able to resolve more domestic problems. This will be mutually beneficial. The main thing is to face the problems within Myanmar and then solve them," he said.

While casting a ballot

Military and political analysts point out that the six-month long state of emergency extended by the SAC will expire at the end of July at which time will determine whether elections will be held or not.

While some believe that the election is definitely possible because the   months when elections will be held have been promised, there are also those who believe that elections are not possible due to the political situation.

The civilian government might face many difficulties and crises due to the armed conflict that has been going on for almost 5 years, pointed out military and political analysts.

The priority responsibilities of the authorities were law and order restoration and the development of the economy, Myanmar political analyst Dr. Aung Myo told CNI News.

“The first priority of a government is law and order restoration. The second is to handle the economy. These two are really challenging. The constitutional amendment will have to be done later. The government will have to work together with the Tatmadaw to bring peace to the country. The current Tatmadaw leadership is not saying that they are disappointed or have given up on the NCA. So, the armed groups that will come to understand the upcoming situation will be involved in the peace talks. So, they will have to restore peace and order, re-implement the NCA, and then rebuild the economy." he said.

While the UEC staff were explaining how to vote

However, Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamed Hassan said ASEAN members agreed that elections in Myanmar were not a priority. 

ASEAN has also urged the Myanmar military to uphold its peace commitments instead of holding elections, and ASEAN member states want Myanmar to respect the ASEAN five-point consent that the Tatmadaw agreed to by 2021, he said.

Therefore, they recommend that Myanmar should not prioritize the election at this time but prioritize ceasing all violence, so that all relevant organizations can meet and discuss, said Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamed.

Currently, Myanmar is experiencing severe armed conflicts, economic decline and rising unemployment. The education and health sectors are in a state of decline, and industrial activities are declining because electricity is not fully available, pointed out both domestic and international sources.