Four new soldiers from training batches 5 and 7 have defected to the People’s Defense Force in Natogyi Township, Mandalay Region, bringing with them one firearm. The defectors joined the Natogyi People’s Defense Force Battalion 4-10 of Myingyan District, carrying with them one MA-1 rifle, three magazines, and one hundred rounds of 5.56mm ammunition. The incident represents another instance of military personnel choosing to abandon their posts and join the resistance movement.
The defecting soldiers have been identified as Private Saw Aung Min Htun, Private Way Yan Soe, Private Thiha Aung, and Private Sai Htut Kaung, who were originally from Infantry Battalions 253 and 113 of the military council’s forces. These soldiers had been forcibly recruited as porters during the second week of March before making their escape. The Natogyi People’s Defense Force warmly welcomed the defectors and provided them with reward money for bringing their weapons and ammunition. Following their wishes, the defectors were safely transported to liberated areas under the control of resistance forces.
According to the spokesperson of the People’s Defense Force, Teacher Soe, many current military trainees are being forced into service either through direct conscription as porters or through threats against their families. The spokesperson emphasized that their forces stand ready to welcome any military personnel who do not wish to serve under the military dictatorship, offering safe passage to liberated territories and necessary assistance to those who choose to defect. This incident highlights the ongoing internal challenges faced by the military council, as increasing numbers of their forces seek to escape service through defection to resistance groups.
