At least 20 soldiers from the Military junta have defected to the People’s Defense Force (PDF) Dawna Battalion, located in Southern Region Subdivision 3, according to officials from the Dawna Battalion.
The defectors include soldiers from various units of the Military junta such as infantry and combat training schools, as well as graduates from military training programs.
Dawna Battalion officials said that on January 11, two soldiers serving at the 559th Infantry Battalion of the Military junta, based in Bote Pyin, Tanintharyi Region, defected to the Dawna Battalion with weapons and ammunition.
“They were working in Thailand and were arrested by Thai authorities. They were deported through Ranong and handed over to the Military junta. From there, they were sent to the 12th Advanced Military Training School near Dawei, eventually being assigned to various duties. While stationed near Anan Kwin and Ye Township, they contacted us and turned themselves over,” said Ko Yan Naing, spokesperson for the Dawna Battalion.
The two defectors were identified as San Tun Aung and Aung Myo Kyaw, who were graduates of Batch 5 from the 12th Advanced Military Training School in Palauk Township. They defected with their weapons and ammunition while serving at the 559th Infantry Battalion.
San Tun Aung brought an MA-3 rifle with 100 rounds, three magazines, and a grenade, while Aung Myo Kyaw defected with an MA-1 rifle, 75 rounds, and three magazines.
The Dawna Battalion stated that it welcomes any soldiers wishing to defect. Former defectors who joined through the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) are now serving in the People’s Defense Force.
“We warmly welcome everyone. We provide shelter, food, healthcare, and even help reunite them with their families if they wish. We assist them with whatever they want to do or wherever they want to go. We don’t force anyone to fight here,” the Dawna Battalion official added.
The Military junta continues to recruit soldiers forcibly through various means, providing approximately three months of training before deploying them to the frontlines. However, many soldiers and police officers who oppose the regime or were forcibly conscripted have deserted and turned themselves over to the People’s Defense Force and allied revolutionary groups, according to statements on social media by resistance groups.
Daily defections are reportedly increasing due to the Military junta’s conscription policies and oppressive actions against civilians.
