Myanmar’s military junta issued an unexpected call for peace, inviting armed groups to halt fighting and engage in negotiations. The Military leaders have urged their rivals to enter the political arena and contest the elections next year. Watch to know more.

Myanmar Junta Invites Rebels For Talks

Yemen's Iranian-backed Houthi group claimed to have used a domestically developed hypersonic missile in an attack on a cargo ship in the Arabian Sea earlier this week, Xinhua reported. This development came amid escalating tensions in West Asia and attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and surrounding waterways.

Houthis claim to develop domestic hypersonic missile

Yemen's Houthi Rebels claimed they shot down another US military's MQ-9 reaper drone. The Houthis also aired footage of the unmanned aircraft claiming they had shot down the Predator with a surface-to-air missile. Watch in for more details!

Red Sea Crisis: Yemen backed Houthi rebels claim they shot down US' MQ-9 reaper drone

Myanmar is on the boil the Junta there had retreated from their base close to Thailand's border after being pummeled by Rebel drones Junta forces have taken control of Myawaddy a strategic trading Outpost. Hundreds of refugees crossed over the river Frontier between Myanmar and Thailand after the strategic Border Town became a battlefield for Rebels and the military Junta.

Battleground Myanmar: Rebels vs Junta | Rebels burn Junta flags at seized base

Houthi rebels have claimed one of their most significant strikes since they started mounting attacks at ships in the Red Sea. The Iran linked Rebels have targeted two US ships in the Gulf of Aden, they claim the hits were accurate. Watch to know more!

Red Sea Attacks: Yemen's Houthi rebels claim 'accurate hit' on two US vessels

Colombia's government and National Liberation Army (ELN) rebels have agreed to extend their bilateral ceasefire by another six months, a statement released by both groups said. An initial six-month ceasefire expired last week and was then extended by five days. Negotiators from both sides, meeting in Havana, indicated that the Bilateral, National, and Temporary Ceasefire (BNTFC) would last 180 days.

The statement, released around midnight, said ELN had decided to "unilaterally and temporarily suspend economic detentions, a commitment that will be followed up by the Monitoring and Verification Mechanism".

Although the ELN suspended kidnapping during negotiations, its leaders asked the government for financial resources to maintain their fighters, an issue they are addressing in the talks.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/google-faces-september-trial-date-in-us-antitrust-lawsuit-over-digital-ads-report-687470">Google faces September trial date in US antitrust lawsuit over digital ads: Report</a>

President Gustavo Petro's government restarted peace talks with the ELN in 2022 as part of a policy of "total peace" to end the South American country's six-decade conflict, in which more than 450,000 people have been killed.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-has-lowest-approval-than-all-recent-sitting-presidents-poll-687466">Biden has lower approval than all recent sitting presidents: Gallup poll</a>

So far, Petro's government has held six rounds of peace talks with the ELN, a process supported by Mexico, Norway, Venezuela, Cuba, Brazil, and Chile, which are participating as guarantor countries.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/european-farmers-say-eus-green-policies-are-unfair-unrealistic-687456">European farmers say EU's green policies are 'unfair', 'unrealistic'</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/european-farmers-say-eus-green-policies-are-unfair-unrealistic-687456/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Colombia´s president is also negotiating with the Estado Mayor Central (EMC), the largest armed group of the former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebels.

Colombia's government and National Liberation Army (ELN) rebels have agreed to extend their bilateral ceasefire by another six months, a statement released by both groups said.

Colombia's government and National Liberation Army (ELN) rebels have agreed to extend their bilateral ceasefire by another six months, a statement released by both groups said. An initial six-month ceasefire expired last week and was then extended by five days. Negotiators from both sides, meeting in Havana, indicated that the Bilateral, National, and Temporary Ceasefire (BNTFC) would last 180 days. The statement, released around midnight, said ELN had decided to "unilaterally and temporarily suspend economic detentions, a commitment that will be followed up by the Monitoring and Verification Mechanism". Although the ELN suspended kidnapping during negotiations, its leaders asked the government for financial resources to maintain their fighters, an issue they are addressing in the talks. Also Read | Google faces September trial date in US antitrust lawsuit over digital ads: Report President Gustavo Petro's government restarted peace talks with the ELN in 2022 as part of a policy of "total peace" to end the South American country's six-decade conflict, in which more than 450,000 people have been killed. Also Read | Biden has lower approval than all recent sitting presidents: Gallup poll So far, Petro's government has held six rounds of peace talks with the ELN, a process supported by Mexico, Norway, Venezuela, Cuba, Brazil, and Chile, which are participating as guarantor countries. Watch | European farmers say EU's green policies are 'unfair', 'unrealistic' × Colombia´s president is also negotiating with the Estado Mayor Central (EMC), the largest armed group of the former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebels.

Colombia and ELN rebels extend ceasefire by six months

More than 400 rebels were given life sentences in Chad on Tuesday following former ruler Idriss Deby Itno's death, who was killed in 2021, said a public prosecutor.&nbsp;

After the end of a mass trial, the rebels were sentenced for "acts of terrorism, mercenarism, recruitment of child soldiers and assaulting the head of state," stated Mahamat El-Hadj Abba Nana, prosecutor for the capital N'Djamena.

He refused to reveal the detailed figure of the rebels imprisoned, stating that only "more than 400 were sentenced" to life, while officials acquitted 24 other defendants.&nbsp;

Last month, the trial opened behind closed doors at Klessoum prison which is located 20 kilometres (12 miles) southeast of the capital.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-african-investigator-cloete-murray-who-looked-into-state-corruptions-shot-dead-573769">South African investigator Cloete Murray, who looked into state corruption, shot dead along with son</a>

In the early months of 2021, an offensive was launched by the main rebel group of the country, the Front for Change and Concord in Chad (FACT), in the north of the country from its bases located in Libya.

On April 20, the army announced that Marshal Deby, the iron-fisted ruler of Chad for the previous three decades, had succumbed to the wounds which he had sustained in the fighting.

The officials announced his death just a day after his victory in a presidential election was announced which gave him a sixth term in office.

One of his sons General Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno immediately succeeded him as he took the charge of a 15-member military junta.

WATCH |&nbsp;Chad: 60 killed in pro-democracy protests; clashes after military pushes elections to 2024

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chad-60-killed-in-pro-democracy-protests-clashes-after-military-pushes-elections-to-2024-527258/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

FACT lawyer Francis Lokoulde said that various defendants were ordered to pay damages of more than $32 million to the government and $1.6 million to the family of the ex-president.

"It's a masquerade that follows no law, no convention. All that comes from a willingness to criminalise our struggle. The verdict is a non-event," FACT leader Mahamat Mahdi Ali said.&nbsp;

<main>
<section>
(With inputs from agencies)

You can&nbsp;now write for wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>
</section>
</main>

More than 400 rebels were given life sentences in Chad on Tuesday following former ruler Idriss Deby Itno's death, who was killed in 2021, said a public prosecutor.

More than 400 rebels were given life sentences in Chad on Tuesday following former ruler Idriss Deby Itno's death, who was killed in 2021, said a public prosecutor. After the end of a mass trial, the rebels were sentenced for "acts of terrorism, mercenarism, recruitment of child soldiers and assaulting the head of state," stated Mahamat El-Hadj Abba Nana, prosecutor for the capital N'Djamena. He refused to reveal the detailed figure of the rebels imprisoned, stating that only "more than 400 were sentenced" to life, while officials acquitted 24 other defendants. Last month, the trial opened behind closed doors at Klessoum prison which is located 20 kilometres (12 miles) southeast of the capital. ALSO READ | South African investigator Cloete Murray, who looked into state corruption, shot dead along with son In the early months of 2021, an offensive was launched by the main rebel group of the country, the Front for Change and Concord in Chad (FACT), in the north of the country from its bases located in Libya. On April 20, the army announced that Marshal Deby, the iron-fisted ruler of Chad for the previous three decades, had succumbed to the wounds which he had sustained in the fighting. The officials announced his death just a day after his victory in a presidential election was announced which gave him a sixth term in office. One of his sons General Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno immediately succeeded him as he took the charge of a 15-member military junta. WATCH | Chad: 60 killed in pro-democracy protests; clashes after military pushes elections to 2024 FACT lawyer Francis Lokoulde said that various defendants were ordered to pay damages of more than $32 million to the government and $1.6 million to the family of the ex-president. "It's a masquerade that follows no law, no convention. All that comes from a willingness to criminalise our struggle. The verdict is a non-event," FACT leader Mahamat Mahdi Ali said. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Chad: 400 rebels imprisoned for life after death of ruler

Congolese are fleeing their homes and towns as apparent gains by M23 rebel group eastern Congo sparked a fresh exodus of people towards the provincial capital Goma.

Congolese flee towards Goma as rebels advance

Separatists in Indonesia's Papua region released hostage pilot images. New Zealand pilot Philip Mehrtens was taken hostage last week.

Indonesia's rebels release images of hostage pilot

A pilot from New Zealand was taken hostage by rebels in Indonesia’s restive Papua region after setting fire to his plane which was carrying six passengers.

The militants of the West Papua&nbsp;Liberation Army, an offshoot of the Free Papua Organisation, hijacked the plane shortly after it landed at Paro Airport in the mountainous district of Nduga on Tuesday.

The pilot was identified by the local police as Philip Mark Mehrtens. While other passengers, including a young child, were released because they were indigenous Papuans, reports Independent.

A combined team of police and military personnel has been sent to the area, Papua Police Chief Inspector Mathius Fakhiri told reporters on Tuesday.

On Tuesday, the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) said that they have “arrested” the pilot and added that they won’t release him until their demand for independence is not met.

“We have taken the pilot hostage and we are bringing him out,” the spokesperson said in a statement.

“We will never release the pilot we are holding hostage unless Indonesia recognizes and frees Papua from Indonesian&nbsp;colonialism.”

This is the second time that they have resorted to abduction seeking to free Papua from Indonesia.

In 1996, during the peak of the Free Papua Movement, 26 members of a wildlife research mission were held captive in the neighbouring district of Mapenduma. Some hostages were held for more than four months.

According to reports, the plane, operated by Indonesian aviation company Susi Air, was carrying about 450kg of supplies from an airport in Timika, a mining town in the neighbouring Mimika district.

New Zealand Prime Minister&nbsp;Chris Hipkins&nbsp;said the embassy in Indonesia is working on the case.

“I don’t have any other details at this point that I can share,” he told Radio New Zealand.

A low-level insurgency has simmered in the region ever since Papua was incorporated into Indonesia in 1969 an UN-sponsored ballot that received heavy criticism.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

A pilot from New Zealand was taken hostage by rebels in Indonesia’s restive Papua region after setting fire to his plane which was carrying six passengers. The militants of the West Papua Liberation Army, an offshoot of the Free Papua Organisation, hijacked the plane shortly after it landed at Paro Airport in the mountainous district of Nduga on Tuesday.

A pilot from New Zealand was taken hostage by rebels in Indonesia’s restive Papua region after setting fire to his plane which was carrying six passengers. The militants of the West Papua Liberation Army, an offshoot of the Free Papua Organisation, hijacked the plane shortly after it landed at Paro Airport in the mountainous district of Nduga on Tuesday. The pilot was identified by the local police as Philip Mark Mehrtens. While other passengers, including a young child, were released because they were indigenous Papuans, reports Independent. A combined team of police and military personnel has been sent to the area, Papua Police Chief Inspector Mathius Fakhiri told reporters on Tuesday. On Tuesday, the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) said that they have “arrested” the pilot and added that they won’t release him until their demand for independence is not met. “We have taken the pilot hostage and we are bringing him out,” the spokesperson said in a statement. “We will never release the pilot we are holding hostage unless Indonesia recognizes and frees Papua from Indonesian colonialism.” This is the second time that they have resorted to abduction seeking to free Papua from Indonesia. In 1996, during the peak of the Free Papua Movement, 26 members of a wildlife research mission were held captive in the neighbouring district of Mapenduma. Some hostages were held for more than four months. According to reports, the plane, operated by Indonesian aviation company Susi Air, was carrying about 450kg of supplies from an airport in Timika, a mining town in the neighbouring Mimika district. New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said the embassy in Indonesia is working on the case. “I don’t have any other details at this point that I can share,” he told Radio New Zealand. A low-level insurgency has simmered in the region ever since Papua was incorporated into Indonesia in 1969 an UN-sponsored ballot that received heavy criticism. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Indonesia: New Zealand pilot taken hostage by rebels seeking Papua independence

Could a truce be slowly creeping back to the Democratic Republic of Congo? Well it seems like it. The East African Community Regional Force deployed in eastern DR Congo has hailed a withdrawal from the Ruma Ngabo military camp by the M23 rebels.

World of Africa: M23 Rebels Withdraw From Ruma Ngabo

African leaders have declared a ceasefire in eastern DRC starting from Friday. Declaration was issued by the leaders of Congo, Rwanda and several others.

African leaders agree on ‘immediate ceasefire’ in violence-torn eastern DRC

Kenyan President William Ruto is currently on a DRC visit. Regional nations have joined forces to fight rebels. Watch this report for all the details.

Kenyan President William Ruto on DRC visit as regional nations join forces to fight rebels

More than 30 rebel and opposition factions signed a peace pact with Chad's transitional authorities on Monday, agreeing to join broader talks after years of turmoil-though the most powerful insurgent group refused to take part.

Delegates meeting in Doha broke into applause after the rebels agreed to cease fire and participate in a national dialogue that Chad`s leader has said could pave the way to elections in the central African country.

But the Front for Change and Concord in Chad (FACT)—a Libya-based group that threatened to march on the capital last year - quickly rejected the deal, saying negotiators had not listened to its demands, including for the release of prisoners.

The rejection by FACT and at least eight other rebel factions cast a pall over celebrations of the agreement which was hammered out after months of talks in Qatar`s capital.

The interim military government is headed by Mahamat Idriss Deby, who seized power last year after his father - longtime ruler Idriss Deby - was killed while visiting troops fighting FACT and other rebels in the north.

Initially, the Transitional Military Council said it would oversee an 18-month transition to democratic rule, but it has shown little sign of organising elections as that deadline has neared.

'FRATRICIDAL WARS'

Mahamat Zene Cherif, the interim military government`s foreign minister, said he believed the agreement would lead to sustainable peace.

"Most of the armed groups signed this agreement and they will take part in the national dialogue. And this national, inclusive dialogue is a forum for all Chadian people," he told reporters in Doha.

He said the interim government was currently holding about 400 FACT prisoners and would not release them without guarantees that they would not rejoin the fighting.

At a roadside food stand in Chad`s capital N`Djamena on Monday, some customers were reassured by fighters` willingness to disarm, but others feared the pact would not stop the fighting.

"We have witnessed several peace agreements that ended in fratricidal wars between the different signatory parties," patron Marius Golbe said over breakfast.

"I will only believe in this Doha agreement when the armed groups lay down their arms and are demobilized."

The senior Deby spent much of his three decades in power fending off rebellions that sought his ouster. Rebels, including FACT, accused Deby and his allies of repressive rule, extrajudicial killings, and rigging elections - accusations he denied.

More than 30 rebel and opposition factions signed a peace pact with Chad's transitional authorities on Monday, agreeing to join broader talks after years of turmoil-though the most powerful insurgent group refused to take part.

More than 30 rebel and opposition factions signed a peace pact with Chad's transitional authorities on Monday, agreeing to join broader talks after years of turmoil-though the most powerful insurgent group refused to take part. Delegates meeting in Doha broke into applause after the rebels agreed to cease fire and participate in a national dialogue that Chad`s leader has said could pave the way to elections in the central African country. But the Front for Change and Concord in Chad (FACT)—a Libya-based group that threatened to march on the capital last year - quickly rejected the deal, saying negotiators had not listened to its demands, including for the release of prisoners. The rejection by FACT and at least eight other rebel factions cast a pall over celebrations of the agreement which was hammered out after months of talks in Qatar`s capital. The interim military government is headed by Mahamat Idriss Deby, who seized power last year after his father - longtime ruler Idriss Deby - was killed while visiting troops fighting FACT and other rebels in the north. Initially, the Transitional Military Council said it would oversee an 18-month transition to democratic rule, but it has shown little sign of organising elections as that deadline has neared. 'FRATRICIDAL WARS' Mahamat Zene Cherif, the interim military government`s foreign minister, said he believed the agreement would lead to sustainable peace. "Most of the armed groups signed this agreement and they will take part in the national dialogue. And this national, inclusive dialogue is a forum for all Chadian people," he told reporters in Doha. He said the interim government was currently holding about 400 FACT prisoners and would not release them without guarantees that they would not rejoin the fighting. At a roadside food stand in Chad`s capital N`Djamena on Monday, some customers were reassured by fighters` willingness to disarm, but others feared the pact would not stop the fighting. "We have witnessed several peace agreements that ended in fratricidal wars between the different signatory parties," patron Marius Golbe said over breakfast. "I will only believe in this Doha agreement when the armed groups lay down their arms and are demobilized." The senior Deby spent much of his three decades in power fending off rebellions that sought his ouster. Rebels, including FACT, accused Deby and his allies of repressive rule, extrajudicial killings, and rigging elections - accusations he denied.

Chad signs peace pact with rebels, but main insurgents stay out

Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed announced that his government had formed a committee to negotiate for peace with TPLF amid Ethiopia's deadly civil war.

Ethiopia forms a negotiation body to discuss possible peace talks with TPLF

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has accused Rwanda of supporting the resurgence of M23 rebels, a development that has renewed long-standing tensions between the neighbouring countries.

Fresh tensions brew between Rwanda & DR Congo

Houthi rebels have struck a fuel depot in Jeddah. Despite the attack, Formula Grand Prix went ahead. Meanwhile, Saudi launched counter-strike on rebels.

Yemen's Houthis claims attack Aramco refinery in Saudi Arabia's Jeddah

Rebels strike fuel depot in Jeddah: Formula Grand Prix to go ahead despite attack

Ethiopia's government has declared a 'Humanitarian truce' with Tigray rebels amid conflict. Rebels have agreed to 'cessation of hostilities'.

Ethiopia's government declares 'Humanitarian truce' in Tigray with rebels

A&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;army&nbsp;officer who defected and fled the country has detailed battlefield&nbsp;losses&nbsp;to&nbsp;rebels&nbsp;in the southern part of&nbsp;Chin&nbsp;state, with at least 50 soldiers killed and 200 badly wounded in 2021 by opposition fighters with homemade weapons.

Kaung Thu Win, a captain who defected in December, offered a rare first-hand account of intensified fighting in&nbsp;Chin, in&nbsp;Myanmar's northwest, where the military junta has faced some of the fiercest armed resistance since it seized power a year ago.

He said he switched sides after hearing reports by colleagues of military abuses during clashes last year.

Speaking in northeastern India where he and his family have fled, the 32-year-old showed Reuters his national and military identity cards and detailed 12 incidents between May and December in which soldiers were killed or wounded by&nbsp;rebels.

He also showed Reuters some 30 classified&nbsp;army&nbsp;documents he said backed up his version of recent events in southern&nbsp;Chin&nbsp;state, where civilians opposed to the coup have taken up arms and are working with an established ethnic insurgent group. He based his estimate of military casualties on that information.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/in-new-trend-myanmar-families-disown-kin-fighting-military-rule-to-avert-oppression-451113">&nbsp;In new trend, Myanmar families disown kin fighting military rule to avert oppression</a>

The documents, stored on his mobile device, add new details of a major clash near the town of Mindat that have not previously been reported. They provide further evidence of a growing popular rebellion against&nbsp;Myanmar's military rulers that has spread across the country.

Four other&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;defectors who reviewed some of the documents said they mirrored others they had seen in terms of language, format and descriptions of combat.

Myanmar's military, known as the Tatmadaw, has acknowledged battlefield&nbsp;losses, but it has not provided details.

The Tatmadaw did not respond to requests for comment on events in&nbsp;Chin, the account given by Kaung Thu Win or the documents he produced. The military has previously described armed groups opposed to the junta as "terrorists".

The Indian home ministry did not reply to a request for comment on&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;defectors seeking refuge across the border with&nbsp;Chin.

Groups of fighters began forming in&nbsp;Chin&nbsp;state in the weeks after the Feb. 1 coup, but the Tatmadaw felt the full force of the rebellion after a convoy of seven vehicles was ambushed near the town of Mindat on May 14, according to Kaung Thu Win.

In the Mindat attack, one of the biggest clashes reported so far, hundreds of rebel fighters attacked the convoy around dawn, firing at troops from hillside positions, leaving five soldiers dead and 37 personnel unaccounted for, according to one of the documents.

"We were attacked by an estimated 1,000 insurgents," read an internal field report on the fighting. "Six&nbsp;army&nbsp;trucks were burned down, and many weapons were lost."

CASUALTIES MOUNT

In addition to details about the Mindat attack, the documents shown by the former captain include maps of military facilities in southern&nbsp;Chin&nbsp;state, information about&nbsp;army&nbsp;supplies and battlefield reports of skirmishes with&nbsp;rebels.

&nbsp;The fighting in the southern areas of&nbsp;Chin, involving hastily formed&nbsp;Chinland Defence Force (CDF) guerrilla groups, has been fierce.

Kaung Thu Win said at least 20&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;soldiers were killed in the May 14 ambush.

"It was only after the May 14 incident that the Tatmadaw started taking the CDF seriously," he told Reuters in an interview. "It was a meeting of ... hunting guns (used by the CDF) and modern weapons."

The military did not respond when asked whether this ambush represented a turning point.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-junta-accused-of-burning-hundreds-of-homes-451051">Myanmar junta accused of burning hundreds of homes</a>

The captain said his position as liaison officer meant that military documents, including those detailing supplies and convoys, were provided to him by staff at the regional headquarters that oversaw his frontline outpost in&nbsp;Chin.

He said he also had access to accounts of the Mindat ambush because he was part of the military investigation into the incident.

The ex-officer did not know the outcome of the probe, but said Major Yan Naung Htoo, who was involved in the battle, was put under house arrest in Monywa around September.

Reuters has been unable to reach the officer. The military did not comment when asked about his situation or a broader probe.

A Jan. 10 statement from a CDF group in Kalay said Kaung Thu Win had handed them guns and ammunition. The group said they had led the captain and his wife to a safe area and paid him for the arms. His wife had just given birth to their first child.

A spokesman for the Kalay defence force, CDF KKG, said they paid the captain around 6 million kyat ($3,300). That was below the estimated value of 9 million for the weapons and ammunition, but the group could not afford the full amount, the spokesman added.

He said&nbsp;defectors were under no obligation to the defence group, but they ask them about Tatmadaw operations before moving them to safety.

The captain confirmed he had been paid by the CDF KKG in return for the weapons, but declined to say how much.

'ARMED INSURRECTION'

The&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;military continued to suffer steady casualties throughout 2021, as guerrilla outfits across the state gained strength, according to Kaung Thu Win.

His account of the May clash underlines the scale of resistance to&nbsp;Myanmar's military. Some analysts now call the conflict a civil war.

The military calls the rebellion an "armed insurrection", and military ruler Min Aung Hlaing said there were more than 9,000 "terrorist attacks" last year. The junta said in January it had "largely restored national stability" by the second half of 2021.

Soldiers whose bodies are not immediately found following a battle are often classified as unaccounted for, Kaung Thu Win said, explaining the difference in fatalities listed in the report of the Mindat ambush - five - and his estimate of 20.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A CDF statement on Jan. 26 put the death toll among troops at 1,029 across the whole of&nbsp;Chin&nbsp;between April and December 2021. During that period, CDF groups sustained 58 fatalities, alongside 27 civilian deaths, the statement added.

Opposition groups say more than 1,000 soldiers have swapped sides in recent months.

The Tatmadaw declined to comment when asked about the figures from the captain and resistance groups.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: 35 people massacred in Myanmar

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-35-people-massacred-in-myanmar-440521/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

'LOVED MY JOB'

The youngest of three children born to civil servants in&nbsp;Myanmar's Yangon region, Kaung Thu Win said he entered the prestigious Defence Services Academy in 2006. Reuters could not reach the academy for comment.

Three years later, he graduated from the military university and joined Light Infantry Battalion 216, which was deployed to&nbsp;Myanmar's Karen and Shan states to fight ethnic armed groups battling for greater autonomy.

During some operations in Shan, he said he saw civilian properties destroyed, but deemed such incidents the inevitable consequence of armed conflict.

"I was proud of my work and I still loved my job," he said.

In 2016, Kaung Thu Win said he was sent to a command post in&nbsp;Chin&nbsp;state's Matupi town. He said he was posted as its liaison officer at a regional command centre in Monywa when the military staged the coup last February.

He recalled seeing Tatmadaw helicopters flying in wounded troops from the front for treatment at Monywa base, he added.

In October, the military began sending reinforcements into southern&nbsp;Chin&nbsp;state, taking the total number of troops in the area to some 1,200, up from 800 previously, Kaung Thu Win said. CDF fighters have also said troop numbers have increased.

Around the same time, the captain also began hearing of Tatmadaw troops torching villages along the routes their convoys would take, sending civilian populations fleeing into forested areas for safety.

"I received first-hand information (from colleagues)," he said, "I decided to defect because, after the coup, I've seen so many stories and events where the lives and possessions of citizens were targeted intentionally by the Tatmadaw."

Late last year, the United Nations, human rights groups and foreign governments raised concerns over the&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;military's&nbsp;heavy-handed response to uprisings in&nbsp;Chin&nbsp;state.

Some rights groups warned it mirrored the Tatmadaw's brutal clamp down on Rohingya Muslims in neighbouring Rakhine state in 2017, which led to the exodus of some 730,000 people.

The military has said it was waging a legitimate campaign in Rakhine against insurgents who attacked police posts.

With Kaung Thu Win's wife still pregnant with their first child, he said the couple decided to wait before trying to leave the country.

On Dec. 22, a day after he abruptly cut communications with his colleagues, Kaung Thu Win, his wife and their infant left Monywa on a bus and travelled to the border of&nbsp;Chin&nbsp;state where they contacted&nbsp;rebels, who guided them to a safe house.

"I am satisfied because I'm not one of those soldiers that people hate," the ex-officer said, cradling his infant. "I am now a normal citizen and I'm proud of it."

A Myanmar army officer who defected and fled the country has detailed battlefield losses to rebels in the southern part of Chin state, with at least 50 soldiers killed and 200 badly wounded in 2021 by opposition fighters with homemade weapons.

A Myanmar army officer who defected and fled the country has detailed battlefield losses to rebels in the southern part of Chin state, with at least 50 soldiers killed and 200 badly wounded in 2021 by opposition fighters with homemade weapons. Kaung Thu Win, a captain who defected in December, offered a rare first-hand account of intensified fighting in Chin, in Myanmar's northwest, where the military junta has faced some of the fiercest armed resistance since it seized power a year ago. He said he switched sides after hearing reports by colleagues of military abuses during clashes last year. Speaking in northeastern India where he and his family have fled, the 32-year-old showed Reuters his national and military identity cards and detailed 12 incidents between May and December in which soldiers were killed or wounded by rebels. He also showed Reuters some 30 classified army documents he said backed up his version of recent events in southern Chin state, where civilians opposed to the coup have taken up arms and are working with an established ethnic insurgent group. He based his estimate of military casualties on that information. Also read | In new trend, Myanmar families disown kin fighting military rule to avert oppression The documents, stored on his mobile device, add new details of a major clash near the town of Mindat that have not previously been reported. They provide further evidence of a growing popular rebellion against Myanmar's military rulers that has spread across the country. Four other Myanmar defectors who reviewed some of the documents said they mirrored others they had seen in terms of language, format and descriptions of combat. Myanmar's military, known as the Tatmadaw, has acknowledged battlefield losses, but it has not provided details. The Tatmadaw did not respond to requests for comment on events in Chin, the account given by Kaung Thu Win or the documents he produced. The military has previously described armed groups opposed to the junta as "terrorists". The Indian home ministry did not reply to a request for comment on Myanmar defectors seeking refuge across the border with Chin. Groups of fighters began forming in Chin state in the weeks after the Feb. 1 coup, but the Tatmadaw felt the full force of the rebellion after a convoy of seven vehicles was ambushed near the town of Mindat on May 14, according to Kaung Thu Win. In the Mindat attack, one of the biggest clashes reported so far, hundreds of rebel fighters attacked the convoy around dawn, firing at troops from hillside positions, leaving five soldiers dead and 37 personnel unaccounted for, according to one of the documents. "We were attacked by an estimated 1,000 insurgents," read an internal field report on the fighting. "Six army trucks were burned down, and many weapons were lost." CASUALTIES MOUNT In addition to details about the Mindat attack, the documents shown by the former captain include maps of military facilities in southern Chin state, information about army supplies and battlefield reports of skirmishes with rebels. The fighting in the southern areas of Chin, involving hastily formed Chinland Defence Force (CDF) guerrilla groups, has been fierce. Kaung Thu Win said at least 20 Myanmar soldiers were killed in the May 14 ambush. "It was only after the May 14 incident that the Tatmadaw started taking the CDF seriously," he told Reuters in an interview. "It was a meeting of ... hunting guns (used by the CDF) and modern weapons." The military did not respond when asked whether this ambush represented a turning point. Also read | Myanmar junta accused of burning hundreds of homes The captain said his position as liaison officer meant that military documents, including those detailing supplies and convoys, were provided to him by staff at the regional headquarters that oversaw his frontline outpost in Chin. He said he also had access to accounts of the Mindat ambush because he was part of the military investigation into the incident. The ex-officer did not know the outcome of the probe, but said Major Yan Naung Htoo, who was involved in the battle, was put under house arrest in Monywa around September. Reuters has been unable to reach the officer. The military did not comment when asked about his situation or a broader probe. A Jan. 10 statement from a CDF group in Kalay said Kaung Thu Win had handed them guns and ammunition. The group said they had led the captain and his wife to a safe area and paid him for the arms. His wife had just given birth to their first child. A spokesman for the Kalay defence force, CDF KKG, said they paid the captain around 6 million kyat ($3,300). That was below the estimated value of 9 million for the weapons and ammunition, but the group could not afford the full amount, the spokesman added. He said defectors were under no obligation to the defence group, but they ask them about Tatmadaw operations before moving them to safety. The captain confirmed he had been paid by the CDF KKG in return for the weapons, but declined to say how much. 'ARMED INSURRECTION' The Myanmar military continued to suffer steady casualties throughout 2021, as guerrilla outfits across the state gained strength, according to Kaung Thu Win. His account of the May clash underlines the scale of resistance to Myanmar's military. Some analysts now call the conflict a civil war. The military calls the rebellion an "armed insurrection", and military ruler Min Aung Hlaing said there were more than 9,000 "terrorist attacks" last year. The junta said in January it had "largely restored national stability" by the second half of 2021. Soldiers whose bodies are not immediately found following a battle are often classified as unaccounted for, Kaung Thu Win said, explaining the difference in fatalities listed in the report of the Mindat ambush - five - and his estimate of 20. A CDF statement on Jan. 26 put the death toll among troops at 1,029 across the whole of Chin between April and December 2021. During that period, CDF groups sustained 58 fatalities, alongside 27 civilian deaths, the statement added. Opposition groups say more than 1,000 soldiers have swapped sides in recent months. The Tatmadaw declined to comment when asked about the figures from the captain and resistance groups. Watch | Gravitas: 35 people massacred in Myanmar 'LOVED MY JOB' The youngest of three children born to civil servants in Myanmar's Yangon region, Kaung Thu Win said he entered the prestigious Defence Services Academy in 2006. Reuters could not reach the academy for comment. Three years later, he graduated from the military university and joined Light Infantry Battalion 216, which was deployed to Myanmar's Karen and Shan states to fight ethnic armed groups battling for greater autonomy. During some operations in Shan, he said he saw civilian properties destroyed, but deemed such incidents the inevitable consequence of armed conflict. "I was proud of my work and I still loved my job," he said. In 2016, Kaung Thu Win said he was sent to a command post in Chin state's Matupi town. He said he was posted as its liaison officer at a regional command centre in Monywa when the military staged the coup last February. He recalled seeing Tatmadaw helicopters flying in wounded troops from the front for treatment at Monywa base, he added. In October, the military began sending reinforcements into southern Chin state, taking the total number of troops in the area to some 1,200, up from 800 previously, Kaung Thu Win said. CDF fighters have also said troop numbers have increased. Around the same time, the captain also began hearing of Tatmadaw troops torching villages along the routes their convoys would take, sending civilian populations fleeing into forested areas for safety. "I received first-hand information (from colleagues)," he said, "I decided to defect because, after the coup, I've seen so many stories and events where the lives and possessions of citizens were targeted intentionally by the Tatmadaw." Late last year, the United Nations, human rights groups and foreign governments raised concerns over the Myanmar military's heavy-handed response to uprisings in Chin state. Some rights groups warned it mirrored the Tatmadaw's brutal clamp down on Rohingya Muslims in neighbouring Rakhine state in 2017, which led to the exodus of some 730,000 people. The military has said it was waging a legitimate campaign in Rakhine against insurgents who attacked police posts. With Kaung Thu Win's wife still pregnant with their first child, he said the couple decided to wait before trying to leave the country. On Dec. 22, a day after he abruptly cut communications with his colleagues, Kaung Thu Win, his wife and their infant left Monywa on a bus and travelled to the border of Chin state where they contacted rebels, who guided them to a safe house. "I am satisfied because I'm not one of those soldiers that people hate," the ex-officer said, cradling his infant. "I am now a normal citizen and I'm proud of it."

Myanmar army defector recounts heavy losses inflicted by Chin rebels

Tensions continue to escalate in Ethiopia. The Ethiopian army is planning to enter the regional capital of Tigray in a bit to try and destroy the rebel forces.

Tensions escalate as Ethiopia is planning to enter Tigray amid conflict

India has condemned the Abu Dhabi attacks at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) calling them a "blatant violation of International Law". India also said that the attacks were "against all civilized norms".

Two Indians died, and 2 were injured in the attack claimed by Yemen-based Houthi rebels.

Indian envoy to United Nations TS Tirumurti in a "strong condemnation of the recent terror attack" in United Arab Emirates's capital, said that "such an attack on innocent civilians and civilian infrastructure is completely unacceptable."

This&nbsp;was the first such attack by Houthis in UAE and targeted Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC)'s storage facility.

The Indian envoy said that New Delhi "stands in solidarity with UAE and extends its support for an unequivocal condemnation of this attack by the Council".

He highlighted that it is "important that the Council stands united in sending a clear signal against such acts of terror."

Earlier, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke to UAE foreign minister about the attacks. This is for the second time Indian interests were attacked by Houthis who aimed to harm UAE.&nbsp;

On 3rd of January, a UAE flagged vessel was hijacked off the coast of Yemen by Houthis. Seven&nbsp;of the 11 crew members of the vessel were Indians. They still remain under the custody of the Houthi rebels.

India has condemned the Abu Dhabi attacks at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) calling them a "blatant violation of International Law". India also said that the attacks were "against all civilized norms".

India has condemned the Abu Dhabi attacks at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) calling them a "blatant violation of International Law". India also said that the attacks were "against all civilized norms". Two Indians died, and 2 were injured in the attack claimed by Yemen-based Houthi rebels. Indian envoy to United Nations TS Tirumurti in a "strong condemnation of the recent terror attack" in United Arab Emirates's capital, said that "such an attack on innocent civilians and civilian infrastructure is completely unacceptable." This was the first such attack by Houthis in UAE and targeted Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC)'s storage facility. The Indian envoy said that New Delhi "stands in solidarity with UAE and extends its support for an unequivocal condemnation of this attack by the Council". He highlighted that it is "important that the Council stands united in sending a clear signal against such acts of terror." Earlier, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke to UAE foreign minister about the attacks. This is for the second time Indian interests were attacked by Houthis who aimed to harm UAE. On 3rd of January, a UAE flagged vessel was hijacked off the coast of Yemen by Houthis. Seven of the 11 crew members of the vessel were Indians. They still remain under the custody of the Houthi rebels.

UNSC: India condemns Abu Dhabi attacks calling it blatant violation of International Law

It started as an operation by the Ethiopian government on the Tigrayan rebels in late 2020, but soon this operation by the Ethiopian government exploded into a bit of a civil war leading to a million people getting displaced and a humanitarian disaster unfolding in large parts of Ethiopia.

Amid crackdown by the Ethiopian government on the Tigrayan rebels, thousands of people flee to Sudan

Amid the ongoing Tigray conflict and 13-month war, the Ethiopian government makes territorial gains as it claims back Tigrayan city from rebels.

Ethiopian PM says federal troops to not advance further

Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) has started withdrawing the forces from two regions in North Ethiopia as the 13-month brutal war reaches a turning point.

Tigray rebels withdraw from 2 regions in North

Tigray's rebel forces withdraw from two regions in North Ethiopia

Ethiopia: Tigray rebels withdraw from two regions in North

Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) has announced that the forces of the Front have completed their withdrawal from the regions of Amhara and Afar in Ethiopia.

Tigray rebels to withdraw from neighboring Ethiopian regions

A peace deal between the rebels and the government opens the door for illicit activities and land grabbing in the Amazon forest.

Amazon forest: A casualty of peace? Land grabbers make inroads as rebels retreat

Days after Ethiopian prime minister Abiy Ahmed was seen visiting the frontline, the country's state media is now seen claiming that Ethiopia's army has retaken the town of Chifra from the hands of the Tigray rebels.

Ethiopia-Tigray Crisis: Army regains control of northern Afar town

Ethiopia's PM Abiy Ahmed is headed to frontlines to direct the war effort, this comes two days after the PM announced his willingness to lead his countries soldiers on the frontline against the advancing rebel fighters.

Ethiopia PM Abiy Ahmed vows to lead as conflict against rebels intensifies

rebels

Rebels, News on Rebels, stories on Rebels, articles on Rebels, Rebels stories at Wion, Rebels news, Rebels latest news