Two soldiers who were forced into military service in Tanintharyi Township, Tanintharyi Region, have defected from Infantry Battalion 558 on March 25th, bringing weapons and ammunition to revolutionary forces, as confirmed by Commander Ye Naing of the Dawn Column. The two new recruits were identified as one who was forcibly conscripted while herding cattle and another who was serving in place of his disabled brother.
Among the defectors, Ko Akar Tin Linn brought one MA-2 rifle, three ammunition magazines, one hundred rounds of ammunition, one hand grenade, one landmine, and one vest, while Ko Nay Linn Aung carried one MA-1 rifle, three ammunition magazines, ninety-five rounds of ammunition, five signal flares, three inaga grenades, one landmine, and one vest. Both were recent graduates from the military’s advanced training schools – No. 12 in Palaw and No. 4 in Wetkalee.
Commander Ye Naing of the Dawn Column stated that each defector has been provided with 500,000 kyats, and additional honorary rewards are expected following their report to the ministry. He also indicated that other military personnel and police force members who wish to stand with the people, including those who were forcibly conscripted by the terrorist military, can contact them through designated communication channels.
