Two soldiers from Infantry Battalion 224 of the military council have defected to the Karen National Union (KNU) Brigade 4 Battalion 11 during a battle near Theinkone village in Tanintharyi Township, Tanintharyi Region. The defection occurred on May 9th during ongoing clashes near the village, which is located along the Maw Taung border trade route. The defectors, consisting of a corporal and a private, surrendered to the Cobra Column special forces unit under KNLA Battalion 11, bringing their weapons and ammunition with them.
The defecting soldiers brought with them two MA-1 rifles, nine ammunition magazines, and 328 rounds of ammunition. Due to their surrender with weapons, the KNU has announced they will be awarded special recognition payments. According to the Battalion Commander of KNU Brigade 4 Battalion 11, the defectors’ testimonies reveal that many soldiers within the military council forces are seeking opportunities to escape. The defectors reported that troops are being placed in impossible tactical situations, with no option to advance or retreat during battles.
The Battalion Commander further explained that the military council is forcing new recruits into what amount to suicide missions. The situation for military council troops has become increasingly desperate, with soldiers caught between advancing against strong resistance and facing severe punishment for retreat. This has led to predictions of more defections in the coming period. The military council is reportedly facing significant casualties in battles while simultaneously struggling with recruitment efforts. The defectors’ accounts provide insight into the deteriorating conditions within military council units, where soldiers are being used as expendable forces without regard for their lives or well-being.
