The Tanintharyi Region Military Command has announced that two soldiers who were initially forced into military service after being taken as porters have defected to the revolution with weapons and ammunition. The two new recruits, identified as Sai Wanna and Bone Myint Aung, were forced to attend training batch 8 and were subsequently assigned to the Ye Phyu Strategic Command in Tanintharyi Township through Infantry Battalion 431.
On July 8, 2023, the two soldiers brought with them one MA-1 rifle, three ammunition magazines, 75 rounds of ammunition, one hand grenade, and two grenades when they defected. Having been forcibly conscripted into military service after being captured as porters by the military council forces, they made the decision to join the people’s side. The Tanintharyi Region Military Command awarded them 5 million kyats and has provided them with secure protection.
The Tanintharyi Region Military Command has announced that other soldiers within the military council’s forces who wish to join the people’s side can contact nearby revolutionary forces, stating that those who defect with weapons and ammunition will be appropriately honored and rewarded. The number of deserters from the military continues to increase as the military council persists in forcing civilians into military service and using them as porters.
