According to a statement from the Ministry of Defense of the National Unity Government (NUG), a total of 409 personnel, including two majors from the military, have defected during the seven-month period from January to July 2025. These defections were coordinated through the National Unity Government, the People’s Embrace Implementation Central Committee, and various People’s Defense Force (PDF) battalions and units under the command of the Ministry of Defense.
Among the 409 defectors, 179 individuals brought weapons with them when they joined the civilian side. The National Unity Government’s Defense Ministry provided honorary compensation based on the predetermined value of the weapons surrendered. The defectors came from various branches including the military, police force, conscripted civilians, and other military-controlled units. Notably, the defection of high-ranking officers – including two majors, six captains, and one lieutenant – demonstrates a significant loss of confidence in the military council even among its officer corps.
In response to the military council’s conscription orders forcing civilians into military service, the National Unity Government has encouraged both forcibly conscripted individuals and current military and police personnel who wish to stand with the people to make contact through the People’s Embrace program. They can also connect with nearby People’s Defense Forces or ethnic revolutionary organizations. The NUG has assured that all defectors receive full security protection, and their families are provided necessary assistance. This ongoing pattern of defections represents a continuing erosion of the military council’s authority and control over its forces.
