New Myanmar Regime Tightens Forcible Conscription Covering 13 Million Citizens

Defense Minister General Tun Aung has instructed regional administrations to work with immigration officials on compiling conscription lists, escalating a draft already notorious for forced abduction of citizens.

Tun Aung gave the order during his first appearance at the Central Body for Conscription in Naypyitaw on Thursday, following his appointment as Defense Minister of the pseudo-civilian regime on April 10. Immigration offices in every township hold detailed household lists that include the birth date and occupation of each family member. Roughly 13 million citizens are eligible for conscription.

Coup leader Min Aung Hlaing activated the Conscription Law on Feb. 10, 2024, after his military lost thousands of soldiers along with dozens of towns and a battalion headquarters during Operation 1027, launched by an alliance of three ethnic armies.