The Mon State Revolutionary Force (MSRF) announced on January 20 that 14 soldiers who deserted the force between 2024 and 2026 are no longer affiliated with their parent battalion.
According to the statement, the 14 soldiers deserted while serving on both front- line and rear- line duties. They took leave but failed to return to their battalion within the permitted period and subsequently fled.
Independent Mon News Agency contacted an MSRF spokesperson regarding the matter, but no response has been received so far.
A resistance fighter close to the MSRF said that soldiers who desert without permission from their parent battalion may face disciplinary action under military regulations, adding that the deserters may have fled for various reasons.
“Desertion is not unusual in any armed group; it happens everywhere. These deserters did not all leave at the same time; some fled individually, some in pairs. There are many possible reasons, such as personal issues or being unable to continue. Many thought the revolution would last one or two years, but it has now gone on for more than four years,” he said.
MSRF regulations require soldiers to serve for up to four years after completing military training, and those who desert without fulfilling this obligation will face action if apprehended.
According to the statement, the deserters are identified as: Nai Jawl Aung, Nai Htwe (Apaw), Nai Seik Htaw, Nai Htun Aye, Nai San Aye, Nai Banyae, Nai Aung Chan, Nai Khar, Nai Nyan Seik, Nai Aung Non, Naing Min Tun, Nai Aung Zana, Nai Hong Chan (Mingalum), and Nai Din.
There is no concern about security leaks, as none of the deserters are known to have defected to the enemy side. Most of them are reportedly working in Thailand, another resistance added.
“From what we have investigated, none of those who fled have joined the enemy. So, there is no major security concern. However, since they left our force, there is still some worry. Some are working in their villages, while others have gone to Thailand for work,” the source said.
The Mon State Revolutionary Force (MSRF) is a military unit under the Defence Department of the Mon State Federal Council (MSFC). It was formed on August 7, 2021, and has been fighting against the military dictatorship up to the present.
