According to statements and reports from People’s Defense Forces (PDF), seven military council soldiers were killed in various clashes across Myanmar on May 26. These casualties occurred during battles in different states and regions where local defense forces engaged in defensive operations against military council troops. The fighting erupted as PDF forces defended local civilians from ongoing military council oppression, including arbitrary arrests, looting of civilian property, and various acts of violence committed by military forces against the population.
According to PDF statements, the clashes occurred in response to military council forces raiding villages, killing innocent civilians, and destroying property through arson attacks. The People’s Defense Forces have been forced to engage in defensive operations to protect civilians from these aggressive actions by military council troops. However, it should be noted that independent journalists and human rights monitors have not been able to verify these reported military casualties on the ground due to access restrictions and security concerns in the conflict areas.
The military council forces continue to commit acts of violence against civilians while also forcing young people into military service and mandatory military training programs. As a result, People’s Defense Forces have stated they will continue their resistance operations to stop the military council’s brutal actions and protect civilians’ lives and property. The PDF groups have declared their commitment to maintaining defensive operations as part of their responsibility to safeguard the safety and security of local communities under their protection.
