The KNU Myeik-Dawei District Public Relations and Information Department has announced that two soldiers from the military council’s Infantry Battalion 403, based in Yayphyu Township, Tanintharyi Region, have defected to the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) with their weapons and ammunition. The soldiers left their base at Win Wa camp of Infantry Battalion 403 on August 4, 2023, bringing with them one MA-1 rifle, one MA-2 rifle, 400 rounds of ammunition, and eight ammunition magazines.
The defecting soldiers were identified as Private Maung Min Soe, aged 42, and Private Maung Zaw Zaw, aged 20. They made contact with KNLA Brigade 4, Battalion 12, Company 2 through the assistance of Private Maung Kyaw Kyaw, who had previously defected. The soldiers chose to leave voluntarily with their weapons due to deteriorating conditions within the military council forces and the oppression faced by soldiers. Their defection reflects the growing dissatisfaction within the military council’s ranks.
Lieutenant Colonel Saw Dar Dar, commander of KNLA Battalion 12, awarded each defecting soldier with a recognition payment of 4 million kyats. Additionally, Private Maung Kyaw Kyaw, who helped facilitate their defection, was awarded 2 million kyats for his assistance. KNLA Brigade 4 has stated that they will provide full security protection for the defecting soldiers and continue to support them with necessary assistance. The successful defection of these soldiers with their weapons represents a significant development in the ongoing conflict and demonstrates the increasing instability within the military council’s forces.
