Yangon, Myanmar – July 23, 2025 – Myanmar Police Force announced a major bust of a drug trafficking ring operating via maritime routes, seizing over 48.4 billion Myanmar Kyats (MMK) worth of psychotropic drugs in Insein Township.
On July 12, at 6:30 PM, a joint team from the Anti-Narcotics Task Force, acting on intelligence, raided a rented house in Kyoekone East Ward, Insein Township. They apprehended Zaw Zaw Lwin with 1,875 kg of ICE (methamphetamine), valued at an estimated 46.875 billion MMK, and 1.6 million ecstasy pills with a local street value of 1.6 billion MMK. A Toyota Dyna vehicle was also seized at the scene.
Further investigation led to the arrest of Nay Myo Kyaw at 7:00 PM the same day on Parami Road in Hlaing Township (Ward 16). Nay Myo Kyaw was identified as the individual who transferred the seized psychotropic drugs.
Continuing the operation, on July 15, Kyi Phyu (aka Kyaw Win Htay) and Zaw Min Naing, who were responsible for transporting the psychotropic drugs and had fled towards Dawei, were apprehended near Nyaung Khashay Village in Waw Township, along with a KLUGER vehicle. It was revealed that Kyi Phyu (aka Kyaw Win Htay) was also a wanted fugitive in another drug-related case.
Later that day, at 4:30 PM, Soe Lin Paing (aka Lin Lin), who was responsible for transporting the psychotropic drugs by sea to Malaysian waters, was arrested at Nawaday Bridge in Pyay Township. The following day, July 16, at 10:30 AM, Ye Tun (aka Pae Nin aka Phoe Tha Gi), the owner of the motorboat used to transport drugs from the mouth of the Yangon River to Malaysian waters, was apprehended in Pathein Gyi Township. Ye Tun was also found to be a wanted fugitive for a previous drug offense.
Similarly, on July 17, at 4:30 PM, Thein Than Htay (aka Zaw Zaw Aung aka Ngay Htay), the owner of the Aung Ratana motorboat responsible for transporting psychotropic drugs to the mouth of the Yangon River, along with Kyaw Swar Min (aka Min Min) and Myo Tun (aka Ko Tun), were individually arrested in Mingalardon Township.
All arrested individuals have been charged under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law. Authorities are continuing to investigate and identify additional accomplices.
The Myanmar Police Force stated that this drug trafficking ring had repeatedly engaged in the illicit trade of narcotics and psychotropic drugs using maritime routes for international transport. Efforts are underway to confiscate their assets and financial gains derived from these illegal activities under the Anti-Money Laundering Law, with the aim of seizing them as public property.
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Naung Cho (NAWNGHKIO) – July 21, 2025
Vice Chairman of the State Administration Council (SAC), Deputy Prime Minister, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services, and Commander-in-Chief of the Army, Vice Senior General Soe Win, today urged the local ethnic residents of Naung Cho to cooperate with the Tatmadaw (Myanmar's armed forces) as it works to fully restore security and the rule of law in the town and its surrounding villages.
The Vice Senior General made the remarks during a visit to Naung Cho in northern Shan State on July 21. His visit included meeting with and honoring officers and soldiers who participated in the recent operations, inspecting the public hospital and schools damaged by terrorist insurgents, and holding a coordination meeting with departmental officials and local residents to address their needs.
"It is the responsibility of our Tatmadaw to ensure the safety and socioeconomic recovery of the people in Naung Cho Township," he stated. He explained that the military launched "Operation Aung Zeya," a counter-terrorism operation, from the Taung Khan (Tawnghkam) military base. He praised the troops for their relentless perseverance and determination, quoting their daily pledge to sacrifice their lives for the nation, its citizens, and the Tatmadaw, which he said led to the successful recapture and celebration of victory in Naung Cho.
The Vice Senior General clarified that the military had to conduct a phased withdrawal from the Naung Cho area, extending to the Taung Khan region and the Pyin Oo Lwin- Naung Cho township border, due to assistance provided to the opposing forces, which included advanced technology, encouragement, and support from behind the scenes.
He conveyed a primary directive from the Prime Minister: following the Tatmadaw's recapture of Naung Cho, the immediate priority is to reopen the basic education schools that have been closed for nearly a year. "In today's era of knowledge, academic education is essential for acquiring vocational skills," he said, emphasizing the need for students to return to their studies in a peaceful and happy environment.
Earlier in the day, Vice Senior General Soe Win attended a ceremony at the township hall to honor the victorious officers and soldiers. He commended them for upholding the proud traditions of the Tatmadaw and for bravely fighting with a "never-surrender" spirit to reclaim the town, thereby enhancing the military's prestige.
During the ceremony, he and Lieutenant General Naing Naing Oo from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Army) presented promotions to soldiers who had distinguished themselves on the battlefield.
Following the ceremony, the delegation visited a temporary hospital established jointly by the Tatmadaw and the Ministry of Health at the Mya Nan Taw Win Mingalar Hall. They met with and offered words of encouragement to local residents receiving medical care, distributing financial aid to the people and bonuses to the healthcare staff.
The Vice Senior General and his entourage also paid a visit to the HorTaw Monastery in the Southern Ward of Naung Cho. They paid their respects to the presiding monk and other members of the Sangha, offering Waso robes, cash donations for Navakamma, and other offertories. He informed the monks of the plans to swiftly restore and enhance the development of Naung Cho to a level exceeding its previous state of peace and prosperity, and discussed religious affairs and the health of the Sangha.
The presiding monk expressed his great joy at the Tatmadaw's success in retaking the town and offered blessings for the continued success and safety of all Tatmadaw personnel.
The report concluded by noting that the Vice Senior General and his team also inspected the Naung Cho Public Hospital, the Fire Services Department office, the No. (1) Basic Education High School, and the Naung Cho Myoma Police Station.
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YANGON, Myanmar – July 19, 2025 – Myanmar marked its 78th Martyrs' Day today with a ceremony at the Martyrs' Mausoleum in Yangon, where Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Administration Council (SAC) and Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services, led dignitaries in paying respects to the nation's fallen heroes.
The commemoration honored General Aung San and other leaders assassinated in 1947, a pivotal moment in Myanmar's history. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing participated in the wreath-laying ceremony, placing a wreath from the Republic of the Union of Myanmar at the mausoleum. He was joined by key officials including SAC Joint Secretary Lieutenant General Ye Win Oo, Council Member Lieutenant General Nyo Saw, Mann Nyein Maung, Chief of Staff (Army, Navy, Air) General Kyaw Swar Lin, and Union Minister for Religious Affairs and Culture U Tin Oo Lwin, who chaired the organizing committee for the event.
During the solemn ceremony, the national flag was lowered to half-mast across the country as a symbol of mourning. A guard of honor presented arms, and a military bugle band played the "Last Post," followed by a two-minute period of silent prayer and reflection.
Following the official tribute, family members and representatives of the martyr leaders, as well as delegates from various social organizations and the general public, laid their own wreaths and offered respects at the mausoleum.
At precisely 10:37 AM, the exact time of the assassinations, sirens were sounded nationwide by Myanmar Radio and Television (MRTV) and Myawaddy TV, serving as a solemn reminder of the tragic event.
Throughout the day, the Martyrs' Mausoleum, the Bogyoke Aung San Museum, and the historic Ministers' Office (Secretariat Office) were open to the public, allowing citizens to pay homage and reflect on the sacrifices made for the nation's independence.
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July 18, 2025, Yangon- On the morning of July 18, State Administration Council Chairman and Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing visited the Bogyoke Aung San Museum (Yangon) and the Historic Secretariat Office — where the national martyrs were assassinated — to inspect ongoing renovation and preservation works.
Upon arrival at the Bogyoke Aung San Museum, the Prime Minister instructed that the vehicle once driven by Bogyoke Aung San be restored and maintained by experts to ensure its long-term durability. He also ordered that the building be repaired and preserved carefully so as not to damage its original structure. To accomplish this, officials were directed to systematically cross-check archival photographs to ensure that restoration preserves the original craftsmanship and authenticity.
He further directed that photographs inside the museum be preserved using modern technology to enhance their clarity and quality, making the images clearer and better than the current ones.
When arriving at the old Secretariat Office, the Prime Minister ordered that the historical photographs and documents exhibited there be enhanced using modern technologies to make them clearer and more vivid for exhibition. He also emphasized that captions and annotations for the photographs and artifacts should be presented in a standardized, accurate format that is easy to read and understand.
Furthermore, inside the meeting hall where Bogyoke Aung San and other national martyrs were assassinated, the Prime Minister directed that the original layout and presentation be preserved in the exhibition. Historical photographs should be displayed with proper captions, and additional restoration work should be undertaken to maintain these historical evidences.
As the Historic Secretariat Office is an invaluable historic heritage building, the Prime Minister instructed that repair and preservation work continue uninterrupted according to the original style to ensure its long-term stability. In parts of the building where subsidence has occurred, experts will conduct systematic research and carry out appropriate restoration work.
The Bogyoke Aung San Museum in Yangon was originally the residence of Myanmar’s independence architect, Bogyoke Aung San. Built in 1921, it is a Western-style building incorporating European architectural elements. Bogyoke Aung San lived here with his family from May 1945 until the day he was assassinated in July 1947.
The old Secretariat Office is also a historic building. On the morning of July 19, 1947, Bogyoke Aung San and other national martyrs were holding a meeting there when they were assassinated. This day has since been designated Martyrs’ Day in Myanmar.
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18 July 2025, Naypyitaw, Myanmar —Myanmar has approved nine new foreign investment projects, alongside other new investments, signalling a continued effort to attract external capital. The approvals were granted during the fifth meeting of the Myanmar Investment Commission (MIC) for 2025, held in Naypyitaw on July 17.
During the meeting, the MIC sanctioned nine new foreign investment projects in the industrial, and oil and gas sectors. Additionally, 26 new Myanmar citizen investment projects were approved across various sectors, including industry, hotels and tourism, services, electricity, agriculture, livestock, fisheries, housing and construction, mining, and oil and gas. The approvals also covered increased capital for existing investment ventures.
These newly approved projects represent a substantial investment of US$72.865 million and 672,835.265 million Myanmar Kyats. According to a statement from the Myanmar News Agency, these investments are projected to create 9,220 new job opportunities.
The approved new investment projects are diverse, encompassing crucial sectors for national development. These include electricity generation, agricultural ventures, electric vehicle manufacturing, various service-oriented businesses, food production, and garment factories, which are expected to generate significant employment.
As of the end of June 2025, Myanmar has attracted investments from 53 countries and regions. The top investing countries and regions are Singapore, China, and Thailand. Among the 12 economic sectors, the energy sector leads with 28.33% of the total investment, followed by the oil and gas sector with 24.68%, and the industrial sector with 14.54%.
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July 17, 2025, Nay Pyi Taw- Vice-Senior General Soe Win, Vice-Chairman of the State Administration Council (SAC), Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services, and Commander-in-Chief (Army), reportedly discussed cooperation for Myanmar-India border stability with the Director General of Indian Military Intelligence.
Vice-Senior General Soe Win met with the Indian military delegation led by Lieutenant General Shrinjay Pratap Singh, AVSM, YSM, Director General of Defence Intelligence and Deputy Chief of Staff (Intelligence) of the Indian Army, who is currently visiting Myanmar. The meeting took place on the afternoon of July 16 at the Bayintnaung Yeiktha guest hall in Nay Pyi Taw.
During the meeting, Vice-Senior General Soe Win and the delegation held frank and open discussions on several matters. These included: continuing to enhance friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries and their respective armed forces; India's timely assistance with rescue teams and humanitarian aid during the major Mandalay earthquake in Myanmar, and their continued support for rehabilitation efforts; cooperation for stability, peace, rule of law, security, and development in the border regions of both countries; and the holding of a free and fair multi-party democratic general election in Myanmar in a meaningful way. This information was stated in a press release from the SAC.
Present at the meeting with Vice-Senior General Soe Win were General Ye Win Oo from the Commander-in-Chief's Office (Army) and other senior military officers. Accompanying Indian guest Lieutenant General Shrinjay Pratap Singh, AVSM, YSM, were Colonel Jaswinder Singh Gill, Defence Attaché of India to Myanmar, and other officials from the Indian Armed Forces.
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July 16, 2025, Nay Pyi Taw — The Tatmadaw (Myanmar military) has officially announced that it has fully captured Naung Cho (Nawnghkio) town at around 12:00 noon on July 16, 2025, following a series of coordinated counter-terrorism operations. The announcement was released by the Information Committee of the State Administration Council (SAC).
Naung Cho is a town situated at 2,759 feet above sea level within Kyaukme District, in northern Shan State.
Over the course of the 11-month-long military campaign, the Tatmadaw engaged in 20 major battles and 566 encounters with insurgent groups including the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), MDY-PDF, and Danu PDF. Facing overwhelming retaliation from military columns, the insurgent forces eventually suffered heavy casualties and were forced to retreat in disarray. As a result, the military was able to seize full control of Naung Cho town by midday on July 16.
During the operations, the Tatmadaw reportedly captured 171 bodies of enemy fighters, along with 166 assorted weapons and related materials.
Beginning August 25, 2024, the military launched counter-terrorism operations in territories previously held by insurgents. On February 28, 2025, it regained control over the administrative routes linking Makyee Yay to Taung Khan. Likewise, military forces secured areas near Thanbo Village in the Kyaukme Lay region and the Gangaw– Ommati junction from Banbwe through counteroffensives.
The statement further detailed that heavy fighting also occurred and was successfully brought under control in various key locations: around Namsaung Hpu on the Taung Khan -Kan Gyi-Naungcho road on July 8, 2025; near Gote Htaik on the Taung Khan -Shwe Thun- Gote Htaik -Naungcho road on July 12; along the Pyin Oo Lwin-Naungcho Union Highway from the Ommati junction to Ommakha village on June 25; and in the Kyaukkyan area on July 15.
The Tatmadaw asserted that it has severely broken the morale of the TNLA and the so-called PDF terrorist groups, gaining full support from local residents. This, the statement said, has invigorated Tatmadaw officers and soldiers in the combat units, fostering high morale and a strong will to fight. They expanded their ground control by combining ground and air military strategies, progressively attacking and clearing temporary defensive positions established by the terrorist insurgents. The operation to retake Naungcho town involved multiple columns advancing with the motto "Brave advance, brave fight, brave crush."
The press release concluded by stating that the TNLA and the so-called PDF terrorist groups began their full-scale attacks on Naungcho town, including the battalions, units, and headquarters providing security, on June 25, 2024. After more than a year, the Tatmadaw has now suppressed these groups and fully regained control of the town.
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