A lance corporal from Air Defense Unit 2036 in Kanzunma, Seikphyu Township, Magway Region, has defected to Battalion No. 1 of Military Region 1 in Minbu District on March 2nd, bringing with him weapons and ammunition. The defecting lance corporal brought along one MA-1 rifle, 275 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, 144 rounds of 9mm ammunition, two ammunition magazines, and a motorcycle. The Minbu District Battalion No. 1 has reported that they have provided full security protection for the defector and awarded him appropriate compensation for the weapons and ammunition he brought with him.
The battalion has issued a call to all current military personnel, police force members, people’s militia members, Pyu Saw Htee members, and those forcibly conscripted under the military service law who are serving under the military council to switch sides and stand with the people as soon as possible. They have assured that those who oppose the military council’s violent actions and wish to stand with the people will be provided complete security protection. The battalion emphasizes that they will properly care for and protect those who choose to defect from the military council’s forces.
Resistance forces have observed that there has been a gradual increase in defections from military personnel and other armed units to the people’s side, as the military council continues to commit acts of violence, torture, and unlawful detention against civilians. The brutal actions of the military council have led to widespread public opposition, resulting in declining morale among troops and an increasing number of defections. This latest defection represents a continuing trend of military personnel choosing to abandon the military council’s forces and align themselves with the people’s movement, demonstrating the growing isolation of the military council and the strengthening of the resistance forces.
