Radio Free Anmativeda

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Radio Free Anmativeda is a private, non profit corporation that operates a news service that broadcasts radio programs and publishes online, news, information, and and commentary to its audience in Anmativeda. The service, which is editorially independent, has the mission of providing uncensored, factual reporting to Anmativeda, which historically has had a poor media environment and limited freedoms of speech and the press. It is one of the most reputable sources for information related to the Anmativedan Civil War.

 

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37 Dead After Thhar Launches Attacks on Kampau Amid Civil War Escalations​

In the midst of escalating tensions in the east of the country, the military government of the Democratic People’s Republic of Anmativeda has launched a barrage of bomb and missile attacks against the city of Kampau, which was captured by the Free Government of Anmativeda in January of this year. The onslaught marks a serious escalation in the conflict as the Thhar has previously restrained itself from blatant attacks on civilian targets in major population centers, further plunging the nation into chaos and uncertainty.

Reports from the war-ravaged city indicate that military forces loyal to the military government launched coordinated attacks on several targets within the city of Kampau, with targets ranging from key pieces of transport infrastructure to a schoolhouse. The bombardment, which happened during the city’s rush hour, has inflicted widespread destruction and casualties, raising fears of a possible humanitarian crisis.

The city of Kampau fell under the control of the Free Government of Anmativeda following a series of intense battles and weeks of urban warfare between rebel forces and Thhar troops in late January. The capture of the city was hailed as a significant victory for the Free Government, which is the widely recognized true government of Anmativeda, due to it being the first major population center captured by the rebels since Laukai was captured by the Kau People’s Army in August 2022. Free Government soldiers paraded through the now ruined streets in Kampau in victory not even two months ago.

The attacks have stirred grave concerns among humanitarian organizations about the safety and well-being of civilians caught in the crossfire of the civil war. Thousands of residents have already been displaced or fled the fighting in and around Kampau, fleeing their homes in search of refuge from the violence. Some parties have called for an immediate ceasefire and resumption of dialogue to seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict, calls which both sides have dismissed.

Explosions were reported across the city in locations ranging from parks to rail stations to a school building. While no official numbers have been released by authorities, RFA is able to confirm that at least thirty-seven civilians have lost their lives in the attacks. An unknown number of civilians were injured in addition. The Free Government of Anmativeda claims that none of the sites struck were being used by their troops at the time of the strikes, a claim which RFA has been unable to corroborate.

 

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Anmativeda Junta Arrests Aid Workers​

The military government of Anmativeda has sparked outrage after the arrest of aid workers attempting to deliver vital food aid to the Free Government-held central regions of the country. The comes amid a worsening humanitarian crisis in the country, with many of the country’s poorest regions reporting widespread food shortages.

Humanitarian organizations have been working tirelessly to provide assistance to vulnerable civilian populations in rebel-held areas of the country, where access to necessities and many vital foodstuffs has been severely disrupted by the civil war. However, the government’s crackdown on humanitarian efforts has dealt a devastating blow to relief operations and exacerbated the suffering of vulnerable communities.

The Sorovian Embassy confirmed that six of those arrested are citizens of the Republic of Sorovia. The Hexastalian Embassy in Seinoku (Hexastalia withdrew its embassy staff from Anmativeda in 2021) has additionally confirmed the identities of two of the detainees as Hexastalian citizens. Both diplomatic missions have called for the immediate release of their citizens and sharply condemned the Anmativedan regime’s actions.

 

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Free Government Troops Capture Border Town​

The Anmativedan military’s embattled eastern flank has apparently lost control of a vital border crossing with Seinoku, following weeks of battle. According to sources on the ground, hundreds of Junta troops have surrendered in and around the town of Ton Pheung. The Free Government claims to have encircled the majority of the forces on the Junta’s far eastern flank.

Ton Pheung in Chāydan state, is one of the most important border crossings between Anmativeda and Seinoku and is on Interstate 5. It Is crucial for the flow of goods between the two countries. The loss of the town is the latest embarrassment for the Thhar, which has lost large swathes of territory over the last few months.

Free Government Minister of Defense Hla Min Thiha had this to say on the victory. “It is a great boon for the resistance to the Thhar’s military government. However, our work is not yet done. Laukham is not yet captured. We will not stop until the Thhar surrenders completely.”

An officer of the Shen Independence Front, an FGA-aligned militia that has been fighting on the frontlines in the east, spoke with Radio Free Anmativeda as well. He told us that between 800 and 900 Junta soldiers had surrendered but that there were more that had continued fighting in the pocket. “They are cut off,” he said, “They have three options: surrender, learn to eat dirt and leaves, or starve.” He estimated that 90% of Ton Pheung itself was under the FGA’s control.

Radio Free Anmativeda reached out to several Thhar sources for comment. None of them responded.

 

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Seven Months of Hell: Laukham captured by Free Army​

After more than seven months of fighting, the key city of Laukham has completely fallen into Free Government hands.

Located in the eastern state of Chāydan, Laukham is not only a strategic stronghold for both sides but also a key economic hub. A hub which has, up until last month, been predominantly under the Thhar’s control. The city, located on Interstate 5, is a major economic corridor for cross border trade with Seinoku. For the past four years the Thhar has reaped the benefits of that trade, now it is the FGA’s turn.

The Battle

The battle for Laukham has been one of the bloodiest of the entire war up until this point. Both sides have committed significant resources to ensuring that they are the ones that control the city. Free Government forces, which include militias, defectors, and veteran troops, have steadily encircled since January. However, the Thhar had sent their best troops to defend the city, causing heavy casualties for both sides.

According to those on the ground, the final push began last month when FGA troops, with Skandan and Seinokan support, broke through defenses in the suburbs and entered the city center. Weeks of urban fighting followed, with the Thhar making the FGA pay for every building it captured.

By Thursday evening, Free Government fighters raised their flags over the Patriot’s Memorial Bridge, the city’s main northern thoroughfare. Reports indicate that Thhar forces have retreated to the north to regroup and prepare a defense against FGA forces and prevent them from making it to the coast.

Implications

The fall of Laukham has been widely seen as a turning point in the civil war. The city’s strategic and economic importance has given the Free Government a critical advantage on the eastern front. Experts suggest that Laukham’s capture may severely weaken the Thhar’s supply lines across the region.

“Many martyrs gave their lives for this victory.” Said Acting President Makara Soun on Friday morning. “The Liberation of Laukham proves once again that we, the people of Anmativeda, stand united in the fight against tyranny. We will fight for our future. Make no mistake, this war is not over yet, but the Thhar’s days are numbered.”

Despite the victory, the FGA still has a rocky road ahead of them. The Thhar still controls the north and much of the west of the country. Further, the Thhar inflicted significant losses on the Free Government forces, which will be difficult to recover.

“We’re not finished yet,” said a Thhar general who wished to remain anonymous, “this is a temporary victory for the traitors.”

The Humanitarian Crisis

The fighting in the city has taken a drastic toll on its civilian population. Estimates range from 150-200,000 citizens of Laukham having been displaced from their homes due to the months of fighting. The situation is desperate as shelling and airstrikes have crippled the city’s infrastructure, leaving thousands without access to basic needs.

“We lost everything,” one resident recalled. “We even had to leave our dog.”

Aid organizations have scrambled to deliver supplies to those affected, but ongoing fighting has made this situation difficult. Aid runs down Interstate 5 are now nearly impossible after junta shelling caused severe damage.

For the people of Laukham, and Anmativeda as a whole, the future remains uncertain.

 

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Missile Attack Leaves Dozens Dead in Maung, Chemical Weapon Attack Likely​

Earlier today, it was reported that a dozen missiles were fired from concealed launchers in the north of the country. Despite initial reports that all missiles had been intercepted, one missile has reportedly struck an apartment block in Maung. Hundreds have been hospitalized as it is suspected the missile may have been armed with a chemical weapon.

At approximately 7:42 AM local time, a total of 12 missile launches were reported from the north of the country. These were quickly identified by sensors and eleven of the missiles were intercepted. The twelfth was also initially reported as being destroyed. Despite these assumptions, a missile reportedly struck an apartment block near the commercial district in Maung.

The missile is believed to have struck near the base of the block, compromising its structural integrity. Major portions of the building collapsed shortly afterwards, instantly killing many of its residents.

Rescue and evacuation attempts were hampered when residents and bystanders began experiencing chest tightness. The missile appears to have been carrying a chemical weapon. Many civilians would die or be rushed to medical facilities. Current estimates of the death toll stand at 250-300. Up to 600 people are currently in critical condition. A cordon around the area has been established until the relevant authorities arrive.

It is speculated that the real target of the attack was the Araka Liberation Front civilian headquarters in Maung’s business district. The building is less than a kilometer from the impact site. Acting President Makara Soun was scheduled to be visiting the building this morning. His safety has not been confirmed at this time.

More information will be released as it becomes available.

 

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Major Protests Break Out in Western Anmativeda​

Hundreds of workers in western Anmativeda have taken to the streets in Mowyna and Kaukme, protesting months of unpaid wages from mining companies in the region. The demonstrations, which began earlier this week, have swelled in size as more miners join. The region, known for its rich gemstone deposits, has seen escalating tensions as the country’s economic hardships from the civil war worsen.

The miners accuse the companies of exploiting the chaotic situation to withhold payment, claiming that some workers have not been compensated in over five months. “We are digging wealth out of the ground while our families starve. We just want to be able to live.” said one community leader, who asked to remain anonymous. Many workers rely on the mines as their sole source of income, leaving many communities nearly destitute.

The mining companies, many of which are connected to the Thhar in some way, have remained largely silent, citing simple operational challenges due to the civil war. The protestors however argue the mining companies are using the war as an excuse for financial mismanagement and greed.

Recently, a group calling itself the Alliance of Workers, has begun advocating for direct action. The Alliance, which consists of several community and labor leaders, said “Passive resistance has proved ineffective. The time for action is now.”

The protests highlight the broader economic struggles faced by ordinary citizens in Anmativeda as the civil war grinds on. Many fear that if the miners' demands are not met, the unrest could spread to other sectors, further destabilizing the already fragile region.

 

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Suicide Bombing Rocks Major Munitions Factory​

This morning, a large explosion rocked the Anmativedan town of Taungbet, roughly 20 kilometers outside of Meungxhim. Initial reports suggested an airstrike, but emerging evidence shows what is likely a car bomb. Seven people are reported to have died in the attack, which has been claimed on Twitcher by the National Liberation Army.

A truck was seen to have run the perimeter fence around the factory before crashing into one of the buildings. Shortly after, the truck exploded. Severe damage to the building was reported. The building appears to be a storage facility for ammunition components but no secondary explosions were reported. Seven employees were reportedly killed at the scene while over two dozen were said to be rushed to a nearby hospital.

The attack was claimed afterwards by the National Liberation Army (กองทัพปลดปล่อยแห่งชาติ), a socialist urban militant group that appears to be based in Chianmei. Prior to this attack, the NLA had conducted numerous small hit and run attacks on Junta troops, police, and collaborators. In the past four years 98 attacks were claimed by the NLA, with those attacks killing 102 people linked to the Thhar. This is their largest attack on record.

Chianmei’s mayor, Saya Kyaw Soe Lwin, made a statement alleging the bombing was the start of a multistage terror attack and stated he had seen images of gunmen in the complex. He later admitted the pictures had actually been of security guards. The President of the Democratic People’s Republic and Chairman of the National Administration Council U Huy Wattana called the attack a “blatant attack on the Anmativeda people by the terrorists of the so-called “Free Government”. The National Liberation Army is not known to be an ally of the Free Government of Anmativeda, though the two groups do have similar goals.

Following the attack, an increase in artillery shelling by Thhar forces was observed across the frontlines. Analysts believe this is likely a retaliatory effort in reaction to the bombing. The situation is still developing and updates will be posted as they become available.

 

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Free Government Announces Operation High Roller Offensives​

The Free Government of Anmativeda has launched an offensive codenamed Operation High Roller in the east of the country, government sources announced.

Early this morning, airstrikes lit the sky across the country’s north as Skandan jets engaged the Thhar Junta’s air defense network. Shortly afterward, reports of Free Government forces advancing along Interstate 7 began to emerge. Later that morning, a Free Army officer announced that the town of Kanna, ten miles north of Laukham had been encircled.

Just hours ago, the Free Government’s Minister of Defense Hla Min Thiha publicly acknowledged the attacks, stating they were part of the larger Operation High Roller.

Free Army and FGA-aligned forces were soon after geolocated up to 20 kilometers from yesterday’s assumed positions. Unverified footage circulating on social media appeared to show a Free Army soldier in front of a border post near the town of Mae Ramot.

Analysts have said that the offensive's goal may be the coastal city of Yatai. Yatai, a scenic, tourism-focused city of golden-roofed casinos, is near the border with Seinoku and has a strategically valuable deepwater port for cruise and cargo ships. It is also the northern terminus of Interstate 7.

There has yet to be an official, public Thhar government response; the Thhar regime has continued to censor the internet regarding the war. Open-source intelligence analysts have reported that elements of the 45th Infantry Regiment and 789th Armored Regiment have begun moving to counter the offensive.

The FGA also appears to have deployed their own units of armored vehicles, the largest such deployment of these forces in the war thus far. It also appears that this is the one of largest deployments of Free Government forces since the war began.

The operation is ongoing, more information will be presented when it becomes available.