According to statements from People’s Defense Forces (PDF), 15 members of the military council forces were killed in various battles across Myanmar on March 31. These casualties occurred during clashes in different states and regions where local defense forces engaged in defensive operations against military council troops. The fighting broke out as PDF forces defended local civilians from ongoing persecution, arbitrary arrests, and violence perpetrated by military council forces.
According to PDF statements, the military council forces have been conducting raids on villages, burning civilian homes, looting supplies, and killing innocent civilians, which prompted defensive actions from the People’s Defense Forces. The clashes resulted in military casualties, though independent media sources have not been able to verify these battlefield deaths through on-ground confirmation. The military council continues to commit acts of violence against civilians while also forcing young people into military service, mandatory military training, and formation of militia groups.
The People’s Defense Forces have declared their commitment to continue defending civilians’ lives and property against military council forces who persist in oppressing the population through violence and forced conscription. The PDF groups emphasize that their actions are defensive measures taken to protect communities from military council troops who regularly conduct raids, destroy civilian infrastructure, and commit human rights violations against the people of Myanmar.
