While some battalions have withdrawn from the National Unity Government’s Ministry of Defense (MOD), numerous battalions are applying to join under its command, according to NUG Prime Minister’s Office spokesperson U Nay Bun Lat. He made these remarks during today’s public and international message broadcast program (5/2025). The spokesperson elaborated on the situation regarding battalions withdrawing from the MOD’s chain of command while emphasizing ongoing efforts to collaborate with revolutionary forces sharing the common goal of liberating the entire country from the terrorist military group’s illegal rule.
The MOD continues to work strategically with all revolutionary forces to implement military operations, which sometimes require troop movements and weapons deployment based on operational needs. While some battalions have withdrawn from MOD’s chain of command due to inability to follow these requirements or various other reasons, many battalions continue to serve effectively under MOD command. Additionally, numerous battalions are applying to join the command structure, though specific numbers cannot be disclosed. U Nay Bun Lat noted that while media attention often focuses on battalion withdrawals, there are many battalions both currently serving and seeking to join MOD’s command structure.
In February, 64 military council personnel, including a major and other soldiers and police, sought refuge with the people’s side, bringing with them 44 assorted weapons, according to the NUG Ministry of Defense announcement. Between February 1-28, those who contacted the NUG People’s Embrace Implementation Central Committee and PDF battalions under MOD command included one major, one police corporal, two army lance corporals, two police lance corporals, two army privates, two police officers, three military servicemen, fifteen Pyu Saw Htee members, and five SNA members. The defectors who brought weapons with them received honorary compensation according to the weapon values set by the National Unity Government’s Ministry of Defense.
The NUG has urged soldiers and police who wish to stand with the people, including those facing forced conscription under the military council’s service orders, to contact the People’s Embrace Telegram channel @MyanmarPeople or nearby PDF forces, local defense forces, and allied ethnic revolutionary organizations to seek refuge. The Ministry continues to implement strategic military operations in coordination with revolutionary forces sharing the goal of liberating the country from the terrorist military group’s illegal rule, requiring troop movements and weapons deployment based on operational needs. While some units have withdrawn from this command structure for various reasons, many continue to serve effectively while new units seek to join, demonstrating ongoing support for the resistance movement.
