According to statements from People’s Defense Force (PDF) units, 23 members of the military council forces were killed in various engagements across Myanmar on March 2. These casualties occurred during clashes in different states and regions where local defense forces engaged in defensive operations against military council troops. The fighting broke out as PDF units defended local civilians from the military council forces, who have been conducting oppressive operations including arbitrary arrests, torture, and looting of civilian property.
The military council forces continue to commit acts of violence against civilians, including forcibly recruiting young people for military service, raiding villages, and confiscating civilian property, which has led to resistance from People’s Defense Forces. However, it should be noted that independent media has not been able to verify these military casualty figures on the ground, and the reporting relies on statements issued by People’s Defense Force units. The ongoing conflict has emerged from the military council’s continuous human rights violations and oppression of civilians, forcing defense forces to protect their communities.
The military council forces face nationwide resistance due to their crimes against civilians, with People’s Defense Forces actively opposing their brutal actions. The military council’s use of heavy weapons against villages, civilian killings, and destruction of property has resulted in significant loss of life and property, forcing many civilians to flee their homes and seek refuge elsewhere. The military’s continued aggression has created a humanitarian crisis, with widespread displacement and suffering among the civilian population as they face ongoing threats from military council operations.
