A member of the military council forces has defected to the people’s side with his weapons in Thaung Tha Township, Mandalay Region, and was awarded 5 million kyats by the Myingyan Twenty-one Guerilla Force (MTGF). The defecting soldier, who was stationed in Thaung Tha town, contacted the MTGF on August 6th and brought with him one MA2 weapon along with its corresponding ammunition. The defection represents a significant development in the ongoing resistance against the military council’s control.
According to the statement released by the Myingyan Twenty-one Guerilla Force, they maintain an open-door policy for any military personnel who no longer wish to serve under the military council and want to switch allegiance to the people’s side. The organization has committed to ensuring the safety of defectors by relocating them to secure locations and providing necessary assistance within their capabilities. The award of 5 million kyats to this defecting soldier is intended to serve as an incentive for other military council members who might be considering switching sides to join the people’s resistance movement.
There has been a gradual increase in military personnel defecting to the people’s side as more soldiers become aware of how their actions under the military council negatively impact civilians. These defections continue to strengthen the revolutionary forces opposing the military council. Analysts note that welcoming defectors and providing them with necessary support will further bolster the resistance movement against the military council. The MTGF’s statement emphasizes their commitment to protecting and supporting those who choose to leave the military council’s forces, ensuring their safe passage to secure locations, and maintaining their wellbeing after defection.
