A corporal from Division 33 based in Sagaing city, Sagaing Region, has defected with weapons and ammunition and is now fighting against the military council, according to an official from Mandalay District Battalion 5. The corporal left Infantry Battalion 13 under Division 33 in October 2024 and contacted Mandalay District Battalion 5 to defect. He brought with him one MA3 rifle, 100 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, four magazines, and one set of equipment.
Upon defection, Mandalay District Battalion 5 offered him a reward of 5 million kyats. However, the corporal only accepted what he needed and donated the remaining amount to the battalion’s fund. He is currently fighting alongside other soldiers on the frontlines with great dedication. According to the battalion official, the defector made contact through logistics soldier Shwe Gyu, and battalion members had to undertake a difficult mission to extract him. When asked about his intentions, the corporal expressed his desire to fight alongside the resistance forces against the military council, which the battalion approved.
The battalion official confirmed that the defector is now actively serving in frontline operations with remarkable dedication. Mandalay District Battalion 5 expressed respect and honor for the corporal’s firm decision to break away from the terrorist military council and his determination and perseverance in joining the revolution. The defection represents a significant contribution to the fight against the military council, with the corporal now standing firmly with the people and carrying out revolutionary duties.
Furthermore, Mandalay District Battalion 5 has urged all current military personnel, police force members, and those forcibly conscripted under the military council to make contact with revolutionary forces and defect, regardless of their current location. This defection demonstrates the growing resistance against the military council and provides an opportunity for others serving under the regime to join the people’s side and contribute to the revolutionary cause. The battalion emphasizes that such defections play a crucial role in weakening the military council while strengthening the revolutionary forces fighting for the people’s cause.
