In Ahryutaung, a village in the northern part of Ye Township in Mon State, local sources report that the military junta has recently equipped local militias with weapons. This development has raised concerns that these newly armed militias may be used to impersonate junta soldiers.
On July 24, 2024, sources revealed that the junta provided weapons to approximately 25 local militia members in Ahryutaung. Previously, these militias were involved in security duties, tax collection, and assisting in detaining suspected insurgents. However, with the new weapons, there are fears that these militias might now be employed as part of the junta’s military operations.
A local resident stated, “Around 25 weapons were distributed to the local militias, but there are only three or four militia members in the village. The rest are from the Burmese ‘Lin U’ group. The total number of militia members is over 30. The weapons provided might be used for security and tax collection, and in case of armed conflict, it is likely that the local militias will be used instead of junta soldiers.”
Approximately 30 local militia members are stationed at various points along the Ahryutaung road. They are reportedly active in areas such as Hninson and Chaungtaung, where they manage checkpoints and collect money.
Another source added, “In Ahryutaung, the local militias have taken over the village’s security roles previously held by the 343rd Battalion. Soldiers no longer patrol the village; the militias have taken their place. The Ahryutaung militias are now moving around Thaungpyin and Mawtkanin. About three vehicles are operating alongside the soldiers.”
Frequent clashes have been reported between the Ahryutaung local militias and the Joint Revolutionary Forces within Ye Township. Reports indicate that at least seven local militia members have been killed in these confrontations.
In addition to arming the local militias, there is also increasing pressure on neighborhoods and villages within Mon State to organize their own militia groups.
