A new military recruit from Infantry Battalion 591 in Kyaung Village Model Village, Ye Township, Mon State, has defected to the resistance forces with his weapon. The incident occurred on August 28, when Private Aung Phyo Thant made contact with Strategy 33, Dauna Column 2, Ye Guerrilla Force (YGF) and surrendered himself. The defector, who had completed the 9th batch of military training, brought with him one MA-4 rifle, two ammunition magazines, and twenty-five rounds of ammunition.
According to a representative from the Ye Guerrilla Force, Private Aung Phyo Thant is from Kwin Kauk town and was forcibly recruited as a porter while staying overnight at a bus station. The military council continues its practice of forcing civilians to serve as porters and conscripting them into military service, leading to an increasing number of defections due to these human rights violations. The forced recruitment of civilians into military service has become a common occurrence under the military council’s rule.
The Ye Guerrilla Force has extended an open invitation to any soldiers, police officers, and new military recruits who no longer wish to serve under the military council, promising them a warm welcome upon their defection. These defections not only weaken the military council’s forces but also strengthen the resistance movement as more individuals choose to stand with the people. The YGF continues to maintain its stance of supporting those who wish to leave the military council’s forces and join the resistance movement, recognizing the significance of such defections in the ongoing struggle for democracy in Myanmar.
