America’s new legislation supporting Burma’s National Unity Government and resistance forces, and opposing the junta, is generating a lot of attention inside Burma. Revolutionary groups have high praise for the action, while some NUG members are urging caution, since America still will not provide desperately-needed military support to the legitimate armed forces opposing the illegal regime, and it leaves fuel-related sanctions to be defined later. Nor does it officially recognize the NUG as Burma’s government. It does stipulate material non-military support to the NUG, ethnic armies, and PDFs. The bill, called the NDAA, has passed both houses of Congress and is headed for President Biden’s signature. (The Irrawaddy)
Ethnic regions-------------------
Karen forces are claiming victory yesterday in twin attacks in Kaw T’ree township of Dooplaya District, Kawthoolei (Kawkareik township on Burmese maps). Two junta officers were killed and at least 4 others, while 1 Karen fighters was killed and 1 wounded. Last night Karen forces dropped 4 large drone bombs and 9 small ones into a junta camp at Ngadaing village, causing unknown casualties. Still, the situation remains unclear a day later as to who controls what. It is known that the Asia Highway is closed due a bridge being blown up yesterday, requiring traffic to Myawaddy and the Thai border area to re-route through a rough mountain road. (The Irrawaddy)
In Chin State, Chin defense forces launched at attack yesterday on 40 junta troops who had marched out of Titayn town and occupied a school in Sezan village the night before. After a 2-hour battle, the Chin drove the junta troops out of Sezan. There were at least 3 junta dead, but more isn’t known right now. (People's Spring)
Chin forces also attacked a junta checkpoint at the boundary between Paletwa and Matupi townships yesterday. Two troops were killed and 5 wounded. (The Irrawaddy)
Also in Chin State, junta troops in Matupi were searching desperately for 5 soldiers they thought had deserted the army with full weapons from their guard post. It turns out they just got drunk and wandered off, and returned later. (Mizzima) However, in Mindat, a junta soldier did defect with full weapons and join the Chin defense forces. (Khit Thit Media)
In Mon State, the junta’s administration has collapsed in Paung township, where police and administrators have been targeted and killed by local Karen PDFs recently. The general administration and court house have closed, and the police chief is sleeping in Mawlamyaing city instead of Paung. (Ayeyarwaddy Times)
Likewise in Rathidaung township of Arakan State, 20 local junta administrators submitted resignations recently, saying their jurisdictions also have administrators appointed by the Arakan government, who disregard the junta appointees and do the actual local governance. (Mizzima)
Junta scorched earth village terrorism campaign---------------
In Ye Oo township of Sagaing Region, troops have burned down nearly 30 villages in the past week and made 6,000 residents homeless. Two columns of 200 troops each are committing this terrorism. They are clearing out communities and depopulating the eastern side of the township near the Chindwin River, and the southern side. (Ayeyarwaddy Times)
Troops are continuing to burn Jonjonja village of Indaw township today after beginning yesterday. This is the gang that burned more than 20 villages in Hti Chaing township in the past month, and is now moving into Indaw. A local PDF fired on the troops yesterday, and Kachin army troops are also in the area. (People's Spring)
Today the junta army is firing large 120mm mortars into civilian communities in eastern Depayin township, setting thousands of villagers in motion to flee the coming looting and arson attacks. One woman has already been injured by the bombing. (People's Spring)
The bodies of 6 murdered villagers were found yesterday after they were kidnapped by junta troops in Tonpan village of Myinchan township, Mandalay Region on Dec. 9. The bodies were found with slit throats, chest stab wounds, and head wounds. Troops had burned Tonpan on Dec. 6. (Khit Thit Media)
People’s Defense Forces (PDFs)-----------------
PDFs attacked a junta convoy yesterday between Khin Oo and Kantbalu townships of Sagaing Region. A PDF grenadier suffered a serious injury in a weapon malfunction, and there were junta casualties, but details aren’t known. (Myaelatt Athan)
In Myaung township, a local PDF called on others from surrounding townships to help stop a junta column that had burned Pwasaw village and was going to burn others on Dec. 12. Together they attacked the terrorists from 2 sides, forcing them to retreat with their wounded back into the main town. PDF solders were able to rescue a wounded comrade shot in the thigh and knee by junta troops in Pwasaw village. The wounded soldier was able to hide, but was bleeding profusely and in danger of dying. His comrades fought their way into the junta-occupied village and extracted him. He is receiving medical treatment and is no longer in danger. (People's Spring)
In Shwebo township yesterday a PDF blew up a junta vehicle carrying 6 junta troops on the Kyaukmyaung road, killing everyone but the driver who was seriously wounded. One of the dead was an officer. (People's Spring)
In Mandalay Region, a local PDF in Ngazun township assassinated a regime spy yesterday who was reporting to the junta about PDF activity. (Ayeyarwaddy Times)
Urban warfare------------------
Someone fired at least two large 107mm missiles into the Mingaladon air force base in Yangon last night, causing very loud explosions. Ambulances arrived, but details of the targets, casualties, and damage aren’t known. (Mizzima)
Political and economic-------------------
In a weird illustration of power run amok and twisted social manipulation, junta troops in Pakokku township have begun punishing women for wearing trousers and black clothing. At road checkpoints, they single out women and force them to either pay bribes or lay on the ground and do sit-ups. This comes after female resistance fighters killed 2 military supporters in November. Under arbitrary new rules, troops shoot anyone riding a motorcycle after 6 p.m., and anyone riding on the back of a motorcycle any time. (The Irrawaddy)
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