During October 2025, a total of 125 members of the military junta’s army, police, and people’s militias either surrendered, defected, or were captured by resistance forces, according to a statement released by the People’s Goal Organization, which monitors defection and surrender cases.
The statement said that among the 125 individuals, 45 voluntarily defected and joined resistance groups, while 80 were captured during military engagements.
The organization noted that the number of new junta soldiers surrendering has been rising, especially among those forcibly conscripted under the junta’s military recruitment system. In October alone, 58 newly recruited junta soldiers surrendered along with their weapons.
“In recent months, most of the defectors are new recruits. We’re seeing more small groups defecting together with their weapons. Compared to older soldiers, these newly conscripted troops are surrendering in larger numbers,” a representative from the “People’s Goal” organization told Independent Mon News Agency.
According to the group’s data, the defectors and captured personnel include army soldiers, police officers, and members of the junta’s people’s militias from Mandalay, Magway, Sagaing, Kachin, Bago, and Mon States.
The “People’s Goal” organization also provides vocational training programs to help defectors and their families rebuild their lives and find long-term employment.
“For these defectors and their families, we arrange vocational courses suited to each person. Men and women receive training in different fields to help them become self-reliant,” the spokesperson said.
The organization added that some defectors have directly contacted them to seek assistance for food, shelter, and basic living needs, and support is being provided accordingly.
From January to October 2025, a total of 2,246 junta soldiers, police, and militia members have either surrendered, defected, or been captured by resistance forces, according to collected data.
The People’s Goal Organization continues to gather information on defections and surrenders, conduct vocational training for defectors, and coordinate with revolutionary armed groups to provide humanitarian and security assistance.
