A Lance Corporal from Infantry Battalion 347 in Myothit town, Tamu Township, Sagaing Region, has defected to Battalion No. 2 in Tamu District with his weapon and ammunition. The defection occurred on August 3rd when Lance Corporal Than Zin Oo left his post at Infantry Battalion 347, which was firmly stationed in Kyunpingtha village, Myothit town, with assistance from the Shan Ni Army (SNA). He brought with him one MA-1 rifle, one magazine, and 25 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition.
Lance Corporal Than Zin Oo was originally forced into military service when he could not pay the 1.1 million kyats demanded by the military and administration as a military service fee. He had completed Basic Military Training Course No. 1/2024 at the Advanced Training School in Kwinkauk Township, Ayeyarwady Region. He stated that he decided to defect after gradually realizing the military’s lack of public support. The decision to defect was made before it was too late, as he became increasingly aware of the disconnect between the military and the civilian population.
Battalion No. 2 in Tamu District awarded Lance Corporal Than Zin Oo with an honorarium of 5 million kyats for his defection. He is currently being kept in a secure location, and arrangements are being made to transport him to a liberated area of his choice, according to a battalion official. For security reasons, his hometown cannot be disclosed at this time. The revolutionary forces in Tamu District have announced that they warmly welcome anyone who wishes to escape from under the control of the violent military and join the revolutionary forces. This defection represents another instance of growing dissatisfaction within the military ranks and demonstrates the continuing erosion of the military council’s authority.
