A soldier from Infantry Battalion 431 has defected to the People’s Defense Force (PDF) in Kawthaung Township, Tanintharyi Region, according to a PDF official. On July 29, Private Aye Min Htun from Infantry Battalion 431 based in Kawthaung Township contacted the People’s Defense Force directly and defected. Private Aye Min Htun is a graduate of Training School No. 8 in Shwebo and was assigned to Infantry Battalion 431 based in Kawthaung Township, where he served for over a year.
He had made multiple attempts to escape from the terrorist military, finally succeeding on his third attempt. According to Aye Min Htun’s testimony, there are many soldiers within the military who wish to defect. The Kawthaung Township People’s Defense Force has urged all members of the military council forces, police force, and those involved in the military council’s apparatus to defect to the people’s side as soon as possible.
Simultaneously, in Yayphyu Township, military council soldier Maung Kyaw Kyaw from Infantry Battalion 403 has defected to the Karen National Liberation Army’s 4th Brigade, 12th Battalion, 2nd Company. Maung Kyaw Kyaw fled from his camp due to oppression and abuse from officers and fellow soldiers, subsequently making contact with the Karen National Liberation Army to defect. He is a graduate of military training series 6/2006 Yaynee and received his training in Ayeyarwady Region.
