A soldier who deserted from Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) 591, based in Ye Township, Mon State, was detained on February 16th by the Ye Blue Group, a local revolutionary force operating in the area.
According to a statement from the group, the soldier had previously been working at a car workshop in Myeik when he was arrested by junta forces and sent to a military training school under their conscription program.
According to his testimony, after approximately one and a half months of military training, he was assigned to the LIB 591. He was later transferred to an artillery unit and sent to Yangon before eventually being reassigned to LIB 591.
About one month after returning to the battalion, he fled.
The Ye Blue Group stated that the soldier entered territory under its control while attempting to escape and was subsequently detained. The group’s leader said that screening and interrogation procedures are currently underway.
“He fled on his own and was not in contact with any organization. When he entered our controlled area, we detained him. We are verifying the necessary information and will proceed accordingly,” the group’s leader said.
In November 2025, three soldiers from LIB 586, also based in Ye, fled into frontline territory controlled by the Ye Blue Group and were detained in a similar manner.
Military units stationed in Ye Township, including Military Operations Command No. 19, LIB 586 and LIB 591, have reportedly experienced frequent desertions. Some soldiers have also defected and made contact with revolutionary forces.
At least 30 soldiers have either been detained by the Ye Blue Group while fleeing or have defected and joined the group.
