The Memo: 6 Jan — 12 Jan 2025

In brief:

• Explosion at Thai school checkpoint injures six police, one child.
• Ex-ASG members killed, Mindanao disarmament progresses.
• KIA captures outposts; NUG claims control of townships.
• Spy caught stealing Chinese military secrets in Zhejiang.
• Houthis claim capture of British spies, clash with US carrier.
• Philippines confirms, but downplays, Chinese cyberattack.

Terrorism and insurgency

1. Thailand

A bomb exploded at a school checkpoint in Pattani, Thailand, injuring six police officers and a schoolboy. CCTV footage captured the detonation near a pedestrian overpass. Two officers sustained serious injuries, while the others and the boy received minor wounds. Authorities closed the area for inspection and attributed the attack to separatist unrest.

2. Philippines

Unidentified gunmen ambushed and killed two former Abu Sayyaf Group members in Sumisip, Basilan province, Philippines. The victims, Burhan Ajaa and Radzmie Tuya, were walking home when the attack occurred. Police are investigating the incident to identify the suspects.

Meanwhile, the Army's 6th Infantry Division is leading a disarmament program in Central Mindanao, collecting over 500 weapons since August 2024. Working with local officials, they aim to collect 1,000 more this year. The program encourages residents to surrender firearms, contributing to peace efforts in the region.

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Conflict

1. Myanmar

The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and allied resistance forces have seized three military outposts in Mansi Township, Kachin State. They captured prisoners of war and weapons during the offensive. The KIA also reports ongoing fighting with the military in Bhamo District, involving airstrikes and artillery shelling.

Meanwhile, Myanmar's National Unity Government (NUG) claims its forces control 144 townships, with 48 under full control. They are opposed by the military regime, which controls 107 townships. Fighting continues across the country, with the NUG reporting successes in Sagaing, Magway, Mandalay, Bago and Tanintharyi regions.

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Espionage

1. China

Chinese authorities in Zhejiang province apprehended a foreign spy attempting to steal military secrets. The spy, along with a local assistant, photographed sensitive military installations on a coastal island. They were caught with high-capacity SD cards containing images of military facilities. Both individuals now face legal penalties.

2. Yemen

Houthi leader Abdul-Malik Al-Houthi announced the arrest of a British espionage network in Yemen. He also claimed that Houthi forces clashed with the USS Truman aircraft carrier, forcing it to change course. Al-Houthi further stated that Houthi military operations have reached Tel Aviv and Ashkelon in Israel.

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Cybersecurity and lawful access

1. Philippines

The Philippines confirmed a cyberattack on the Office of the President by a Chinese state-sponsored actor but assured that no data was stolen. The Department of Information and Communications Technology stated that the attack involved "resurfacing" old information and was part of a broader campaign to steal military documents related to the South China Sea dispute. The DICT emphasized that they detected and responded to the attack, securing sensitive data.

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