A new soldier from a battalion under Division 99 based in Meiktila Township, Mandalay Region, has defected to Battalion 2 in Minbu District on March 7th, bringing weapons and ammunition with him. The defecting soldier brought one MA-type rifle, 96 rounds of ammunition, three magazines, a water bottle, snacks, and shoes. According to an official from Battalion 2, Military Region 1 in Minbu District, the defector has been awarded a monetary reward for his defection.
The new soldier arranged his defection by contacting a battalion official via telephone. The official stated that they encourage other soldiers to leave the military council and join the people’s side, particularly given the military council’s practices of forced conscription and porter recruitment. The military council has been known to forcibly enter homes to conscript civilians for military service.
Battalion 2 in Minbu District continues to welcome soldiers who wish to join the people’s side and offers monetary rewards for those who defect with weapons. They also ensure the safety and security of the defectors’ family members. The recently defected soldier is currently serving with the battalion forces, though his personal information is being withheld for security reasons. The battalion emphasizes that they will continue to support and protect those who choose to leave the military council and join the resistance forces fighting for the people of Myanmar.
