A soldier from Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) 255 under Military Division 101 based in Salin, Magway Region, has defected to the People’s Defense Force (PDF), according to an official from the 5th Battalion of Minbu District. The defector, Private Sai Sai, arrived at the PDF forces without weapons at around 7 AM on April 28, 2024. He was a graduate of the 8th batch of military training and had been forcibly recruited into military service in Amarapura Township, Mandalay Region.
Private Sai Sai underwent six months of basic military training in Hopin Township before being assigned to LIB-255 in Salin. According to his testimony, he decided to flee due to various forms of abuse, mistreatment, and forced conscription within the military unit. He escaped on the night of April 27 at around 10 PM and traveled through the night before reaching PDF-controlled territory. The official from the 5th Battalion of Minbu District stated that PDF forces currently control nearly half of the Salin Township area, except for the urban centers, and are working to expand their territorial control.
The PDF official further emphasized that other military personnel who wish to defect would be welcomed, with appropriate monetary rewards offered to those who bring weapons with them. The PDF has assured that arrangements would be made to ensure peaceful living conditions for defectors. The official also addressed current military personnel, stating that while they understand many are serving against their will due to the actions of a small group of military council leaders, there can be no mercy during actual combat situations. The PDF continues to maintain its stance of accepting defectors while actively opposing the military council’s oppressive actions against civilians and forced recruitment practices.
