A new military recruit from a military outpost on the Monywa-Mandalay highway in Monywa Township, Sagaing Region, has defected to the resistance forces with three firearms and ammunition, according to an official from the Golden Target Force. The defector, who is from Pathein city and was part of the 8th batch of military recruits, brought with him significant military equipment. For security reasons, his name and photograph have been withheld to protect his family.
The defection occurred on July 17 when a conscripted porter from one of the military outposts along the Monywa-Mandalay highway made contact with resistance forces. The Golden Target Force (GTF) and Township 1 People’s Security Force members from Monywa successfully coordinated his extraction. The defecting soldier brought with him three MA-1 rifles, two ammunition magazines, and twenty 5.56 caliber rounds. This successful defection represents a significant achievement for the resistance forces in their ongoing struggle against the military council.
The resistance forces are arranging to provide a reward for the defecting soldier and will accommodate his wishes regarding his future living arrangements and movement. The operation to extract the defecting soldier was carried out with the cooperation of the Brave Heart Army (BHA) and local resistance groups. The Golden Target Force has issued an open invitation to other military personnel who wish to defect, stating that they can make contact to arrange their defection. This successful defection demonstrates the continuing erosion of the military council’s control and the growing strength of resistance forces in the region.
