A new recruit from Infantry Battalion 119 in Patheingyi Township, who was initially captured as a forced porter in Mandalay and subsequently conscripted into military service, has defected to the Burma Revolution Rangers, a revolutionary force. The soldier, who was part of the 5th intake of military recruits, was forced to undergo military training at Bahtu Army Base Training Center 1 in Yatsauk after being captured as a porter in Mandalay. He had been seeking assistance from revolutionary forces since the Thingyan period to escape from military service.
Revolutionary forces successfully extracted him despite challenging route conditions, and he arrived at their base on May 1st. He is currently under the protection of revolutionary forces who are ensuring his safety and security. For the protection of his family, his hometown and personal details are being kept confidential. The defecting soldier did not bring any weapons or ammunition when he joined the revolutionary forces. The Burma Revolution Rangers have confirmed that he was initially captured in Mandalay and forced into military service against his will, though his original hometown is in a different city.
The Burma Revolution Rangers have issued a call to all military council soldiers, police force members, Pyu Saw Htee militia members, and other military-affiliated personnel to defect and join revolutionary forces as soon as possible. They emphasize that there is no need to sacrifice lives for Min Aung Hlaing and encourage switching allegiance to the people’s side by contacting nearby revolutionary forces. Additionally, they have warned civilians to remain vigilant about airstrikes and ground troop movements, and to avoid staying near areas where military council troops are present. The organization continues to provide safe passage and protection for those who choose to defect from the military council’s forces, maintaining their commitment to supporting those who decide to stand with the people of Myanmar.
