A soldier from the military council’s Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) 407 based in Ye Phyu Township, Dawei District, Tanintharyi Region, has defected to the revolution side along with his family, according to the information officer of the Dove Guerrilla Force. The defector, identified as Ye Min Khant, age 24, left his battalion with his wife Ma Win Sandar on April 10 and made contact with revolutionary forces on April 11. The soldier surrendered without weapons in what marks another instance of military personnel choosing to abandon the military council’s forces.
The defector and his family have been placed in a secure location while the revolutionary forces arrange for their basic needs and living arrangements. The Dove Guerrilla Force spokesperson explained that while they have plans to provide a reward for the defection, their immediate priority has been ensuring the family’s security, accommodation, and basic necessities. The matter of the reward will be discussed and arranged at a later time, once these fundamental needs have been properly addressed. The revolutionary forces are currently focused on managing the logistics of protecting and supporting the defector and his family as they transition to civilian life.
The revolutionary forces continue to provide comprehensive support for defectors, including security arrangements, living assistance, and help with family rehabilitation. They have also extended an open invitation to remaining soldiers within the military to defect as soon as possible. According to statements from revolutionary groups, there has been an increase in the number of defections as morale within the military council’s forces continues to decline, largely due to the ongoing brutal actions being committed against civilians. The successful integration of defectors like Ye Min Khant and his family serves as an example for others who may be considering leaving the military council’s forces, demonstrating that alternative paths are available for those willing to abandon the military council’s campaign of violence against the people of Myanmar.
