A new soldier from Infantry Battalion 315 under Division 99, based in Meiktila Township, Mandalay Region, has defected to revolutionary forces without weapons on September 13, as confirmed by the Salin Urban Guerrilla Force and Salin People’s Liberation Force (Temporary). The defector, identified as Thaw Zin Aung, was a graduate of Basic Military Training Course No. 16 and had received his training in Hopong, Southern Shan State.
Thaw Zin Aung was originally a rice mill worker in Salin Township before being forcibly recruited as a porter by the military council forces and subsequently conscripted into military service. He is now safely located in a liberated area with his family, according to revolutionary forces. Additionally, a new soldier named Yan Naing Lin from Infantry Battalion 405, based in Yebyu Township, Tanintharyi Region, defected to PDF Dawei District Battalion 2 on August 20, bringing a firearm with him.
Yan Naing Lin was also a victim of forced porter recruitment by military council forces and escaped during a military operation when he had the opportunity, making contact with revolutionary forces to arrange his defection. Officials from PDF Dawei District Battalion 2 stated that they would submit proposals to relevant ministries for reward money for the defector. Revolutionary forces continue to welcome those fleeing from under the military dictatorship into the people’s embrace and encourage soldiers within the military to reflect on their actions and join the revolution. The revolutionary forces maintain their commitment to accepting defectors and providing safe passage to those who choose to leave the military council’s forces.
