Two new recruits from the Northwest Military Command based in Monywa, Sagaing Region, have defected to the People’s Defense Force (PDF) with weapons and ammunition, according to revolutionary news sources. The soldiers contacted PDF forces on May 27, expressing their desire to defect. They brought with them two MA1 rifles, two hand grenades, two landmines, and over two hundred rounds of ammunition.
The two defecting soldiers were originally civilians who had been forcibly conscripted as porters by the military council before being coerced into military service. They had attempted to escape since their initial capture as porters but were unsuccessful and were forced to complete Military Training Course No. 8. After training, they were assigned to the Northwest Military Command in Monywa, where they served for over five months before successfully defecting.
The People’s Defense Forces safely received the two defectors and are providing necessary assistance. Due to their defection with weapons and ammunition, arrangements are being made to provide them with reward money, while local PDF units are currently supporting their immediate needs. The two defectors have expressed their intention to continue participating in revolutionary activities alongside the People’s Defense Forces. Their successful defection represents another blow to the military council’s forced recruitment practices and demonstrates the ongoing internal resistance within military ranks against the regime’s oppressive policies.
