A new recruit from a battalion under Division 99 based in Meiktila Township, Mandalay Region, has defected to Battalion 2 in Minbu District on March 7, bringing weapons and ammunition with him. The soldier brought one MA-type rifle, 96 rounds of ammunition, three magazines, a water bottle, snacks, and shoes when he joined the people’s forces, leaving the military council’s army.
According to an official from Battalion 2, Military Region 1 in Minbu District, the defecting soldier has been awarded a monetary reward, and his personal information is being withheld for security reasons. The defector will continue to serve with Battalion 2 in Minbu District. The military council has been forcing civilians into military service and using them as porters, leading to low morale among troops.
Battalion 2 in Minbu District welcomes soldiers from the military council who wish to join the people’s side. They have confirmed that those who defect with weapons will receive monetary rewards and full security guarantees. The battalion continues to encourage dissatisfied soldiers within the military council’s forces to defect and join the people’s resistance, offering them protection and support in their transition to serving alongside the civilian population.
