A soldier from the Myanmar military’s Infantry Battalion 32, based in Kyainseikgyi Township, Karen State, has defected to the Karen National Union (KNU) with weapons and ammunition, according to a statement released by the KNU on August 23.
The soldier, Zin Min Aung, aged 21, defected on August 19, bringing with him an MA-1 rifle, eight magazines, 206 rounds of ammunition, one grenade, and one set of equipment. He joined forces with the 17th Battalion of the 6th Brigade of the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA).
Zin Min Aung has reportedly declared his intention to join the revolutionary forces in resisting the military dictatorship, according to the KNU’s statement.
The KNU also announced that they are providing assistance to Zin Min Aung in line with their established support measures for defectors who join their cause.
