A military council soldier who fled from the Nat Yay Kan Tower military camp has been captured in Minbu Township, Magway Region, according to an official from Battalion No. 6 of Minbu District. The soldier was apprehended on June 27 after escaping from the military outpost in Ngape Township, Magway Region. Currently, numerous soldiers serving in the military council forces are reportedly making contact with Battalion No. 6 of Minbu District to defect. Most of these defectors are young people who were forcibly recruited as porters and soldiers by the military council.
An official from Battalion No. 6 of Minbu District provided detailed information about the defecting soldiers, stating that those who have not committed war crimes will be assisted in returning to their native regions and families. The captured soldier reportedly arrived at the Nat Yay Kan Tower camp immediately after completing training, according to his statement, which is currently being verified by authorities. Once these details are confirmed, arrangements will be made to reunite him with his family. The official emphasized their commitment to facilitating safe passage for defectors who have not participated in atrocities against civilians.
The authorities have announced that any military council soldiers, police force members, or other armed personnel who wish to defect can contact Battalion No. 6 of Minbu District at any time. Defectors will be awarded appropriate honorarium based on the weapons and ammunition they bring with them. Revolutionary forces assess that these defection programs provide an escape route for young people who have been forcibly recruited into the military council’s forces. The initiative represents a significant opportunity for those who were coerced into military service to safely leave the military council’s control and return to civilian life.
