A military recruit who was forcibly conscripted by the terrorist military in Salay town, Magway Region, has defected to the people’s side with weapons and ammunition, according to an official from Salay District Battalion No. 4. The new recruit was from Training Batch 9 and had been captured and forced into porter service while he was out in Salay town.
On June 25, while stationed at a guard post at Nataekan Camp on the border of Magway and Rakhine State, Private Maung escaped with military equipment including one MA1 rifle, three MA magazines, one hundred 5.56 rounds of ammunition, and one equipment set, making contact with Salay District Battalion No. 4. He had previously undergone military training in Pinlaung town in Southern Shan State.
An official from Salay District Battalion No. 4 revealed that the military council is currently recruiting for up to Training Batch 15, emphasizing that civilians need to remain vigilant and maintain revolutionary awareness at all times. He also stated that the People’s Defense Force always welcomes military personnel who wish to defect from the military council’s forces.
Private Maung, who defected with weapons and ammunition, was awarded thirty million kyats by Salay District Battalion No. 4 for bringing the military equipment. The battalion official confirmed that they will continue to facilitate and welcome other personnel who wish to escape from under the terrorist military council and switch allegiance to the people’s side.
