Myanmar's military regime aims to hold an election beginning late this year, but an election not backed by the will of the people could lead to further conflict in the country, say Myanmar women's rights activists.

The Independent Press Council Myanmar (IPCM) on Friday released a statement condemning the recently enacted law on the Protection of Multiparty Democratic General Elections from Obstruction, Disruption, and Destruction as a severe threat to freedom of expression and freedom of the press.

The Arakan Army (AA) announced on Thursday that a junta soldier who was forcibly conscripted by the military regime in Yangon had fled the Kyaukphyu frontline and defected.

Children across Myanmar have been severely deprived of education since the 2021 coup, with around 7 million, or 53 percent, of this year's school-age population out of school, the Institute for Strategy and Policy - Myanmar (ISP-Myanmar) said in a report on August 6.

Two Arakanese women who were trafficked to China and sold as brides are in need of assistance to extricate them from their present predicaments, according to advocates.

Junta soldiers on the front lines are reportedly using drugs to aid them in combat with the Arakan Army (AA).

Local social workers say civilians are being killed and injured in Hpakant Township, Kachin State, amid daily shellings by the Myanmar military.

Propaganda has been circulating to junta soldiers on the front lines that the Arakan Army (AA) is using black magic to attack the Myanmar military during the ongoing conflict between the two sides.

The junta-appointed Union Election Commission (UEC) has reportedly allowed six political parties claiming to represent the people of Arakan State to compete in elections slated for late this year and early 2026.

Myanmar's military regime has been sending reinforcements in apparent preparation for a military offensive, including deploying troops to areas adjacent to territory controlled by the Arakan Army (AA) and other anti-junta revolutionary forces in Ingapu Township, Ayeyarwady Region.

Arakan State residents injured during the ongoing conflict between Myanmar's military regime and the Arakan Army (AA) are reportedly suffering from chronic illnesses because they cannot afford medical treatment.

The Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) has said it was forced to relinquish Nawnghkio in Shan State to protect civilians from a heavy onslaught by Myanmar's military regime.

Crimes such as theft, looting, robbery, and even murder have become increasingly common in Arakan State territory controlled by the Arakan Army (AA), raising concerns among locals.

Myanmar's military regime has declared martial law in 63 townships across the country and has been ramping up its military presence in Arakan State, as well as launching attacks on areas controlled by the Arakan Army (AA).

Two men serving time on politically motivated charges in Arakan State's Kyaukphyu Prison were recently released by prison officials after their sentences expired, but Myanmar's military regime reportedly rearrested them at the prison gate.

Locals in Arakan State, which is under blockade by Myanmar's military regime, are facing hardship due to a shortage of medicine and a lack of functioning hospitals, with travel costs of at least K600,000 to reach a hospital for medical treatment.

Myanmar's military regime on July 31 declared martial law for 90 days under Section 413(b) of the Constitution in 14 Arakan State townships as well as Chin State's Paletwa Township, which are controlled by the Arakan Army (AA), and dozens of other townships held by resistance forces across the country.

Ethnic Arakanese and Mro people from more than 10 villages including Khapaw, Marlar (Arakan), Marlar (Mro), Datphyu, Thanpayardaunt and Wetmakya are facing numerous difficulties due to the lack of healthcare workers in the villages, long distances and the high price of medicines.

Fighting is reportedly ongoing in Laymyethna Township, Ayeyarwady Region, as the Myanmar military has sent reinforcements to launch offensives against anti-regime forces.