Local sources report that among five soldiers who attempted to escape from a military camp in Tazaungyo village, Athok town, Yeikgyi Township in Ayeyarwady Region, one was killed and two were recaptured. The incident occurred on the evening of July 8, when five soldiers attempted to flee from their military outpost in Tazaungyo village. During the escape attempt, remaining soldiers pursued and opened fire on the fleeing soldiers, resulting in one death in a banana plantation, while two others were captured near a gas station at the outskirts of Tazaungyo village.
Police Station Chief U Zaw Naing Tun from Athok town is leading efforts to capture the remaining two escaped soldiers, reportedly motivated by potential promotion opportunities. He has been pressuring police personnel to intensify their search efforts. The fleeing soldiers are believed to have attempted their escape due to inability to endure the military’s oppression and unjust orders. The military council not only commits violence against civilians but also subjects its own soldiers to oppressive control and restrictions.
According to local residents, the escaped soldiers were young recruits, some of whom were reportedly forced into military service. The military council has been implementing forced conscription of young people, mandatory military training programs, and threatens those who refuse with arrest and detention. This incident of soldiers attempting to escape reflects the declining morale and growing dissatisfaction within the military ranks. The military council’s practice of forcing people into service and oppressing both civilians and its own personnel has led to increasing instances of soldiers attempting to flee from their posts.
