NUG urges forcibly conscripted soldiers to defect to revolutionary forces

On 11 February, the Ministry of Defence of the National Unity Government (NUG) issued a statement urging young men forcibly conscripted under the junta’s military service law to defect to the revolutionary forces.

The NUG called on these conscripted individuals to join resistance groups such as the People’s Defence Forces (PDFs), Local Defence Forces (LDFs), People’s Defence Teams, and ethnic revolutionary organizations whenever possible whether during training or after being armed.

Additionally, those seeking to defect were encouraged to contact organizations like People’s Embrace, which assist junta soldiers in transitioning to the resistance. The NUG assured defectors of their safety to the greatest extent possible and stated that those bringing weapons would be rewarded.