Myanmar resistance hit by rising desertions

More than five years into Myanmar’s Spring Revolution, a quiet unraveling is happening from within.Fighters are slipping away from the frontlines, some drifting into other units, others disappearing entirely, and a troubling number crossing over to the very military they once took up arms to defeat. Across several resistance forces, including the People’s Defence Force (PDF), commanders and frontline troops say the losses have accelerated sharply in recent months.A member of the Mandalay urban guerrilla group, under the National Unity Government (NUG)—which was relocated to Sagaing—told Myanmar Now on condition of anonymity that shortages of rations and ammunition at some frontlines have reduced fighters’ motivation to fight. “The primary challenge is the lack of weapons and ammunition,” he said. “Despite our willingness to fight at the frontlines, limited supplies make it difficult, and insufficient rations and shelter further erode our motivation over time.” He added that limited access to firearms and ammunition is the main factor driving young soldiers to leave the force.“We didn’t have enough guns, so we handed them out by lottery or rotated them. Some of the most committed fighters left for groups that were better equipped,” he said. “Family pressure is another reason. The longer the war goes on, the harder it is to stay away from home. Some leave to support their families.” The resistance fighter said that in the past two months, about 20 of their roughly 100 members had left—most joining other units, while two defected to the junta. And with food prices rising, rationing has become difficult, forcing fighters to cut back on their meals. PDF units in the central dry zone lack independent income and depend on public support, making them hopeful for more effective aid from the NUG. “We look to the NUG for support,” he said. “Sometimes, we have had to rely on displaced people, who gave us the little rice and oil they had, which moved me to tears.”Sources say key factors like sustained military pressure, limited access to weapons and ammunition, internal leadership strains, and personal as well as psychological challenges contribute to this new rise in deserters. Resistance soldiers who died during the revolution while serving in Shan-Karenni-based anti-junta battalions (Photo: Mo Riarty Facebook) ‘Weakened morale’On February 13, more than 150 PDF members from several townships surrendered at Mandalay Palace, the junta’s Central Command, according to Myanmar military statements. On March 4, dozens of fighters from units in Singu and Mandalay surrendered with 16 firearms. On March 19, the junta held a ceremony in Mandalay for more than 500 defectors, inviting media to cover the event. But critics say the veracity of these claims is hard to verify given that the junta often exaggerates their data and routinely disseminates propaganda.Yet resistance leaders admit that desertion is a new problem they’re grappling with. “Lately, young fighters have been leaving the force because of territorial losses,” an officer of the Mandalay-based People’s Defence Force told Myanmar Now.“Retreats have affected their morale, and our recent halt in offensives has left them depressed, prompting some to move between groups and ultimately surrender.” The junta said more than 500 PDF members surrendered with weapons and were sent home, though critics dismissed the figures as inflated propaganda.Nay Phone Latt, the spokesperson for the National Unity Government (NUG), told Myanmar Now that although some defections have taken place, the figures released by the military were propaganda. “This is simply propaganda by the military junta,” he said. “While some of our members have been separated or defected, the numbers are minimal. The report of over 500 defections is meant to damage the PDF’s reputation and erode confidence in the revolution.”Both the junta and resistance groups are struggling to fill their ranks, ramping up recruitment as losses mount. Heavy fighting, including airstrikes and drone attacks, has taken a steady toll on both sides, with thousands of airstrikes reported in 2025. The junta has implemented its conscription law, forcibly enlisting thousands of civilians. To date, more than 20 batches have been recruited, totaling over 100,000 new soldiers since 2024.Recruitment drives on both sides are raising concern in local communities, as resistance groups grapple with desertions and the junta pushes surrender campaigns. Anti-junta units have begun naming and shaming those who leave.On February 7, two battalions in Natogyi Township reported nine deserters, warning that anyone sheltering them would face punishment and noting some had already joined the junta.Then on February 23, resistance forces based in Pauk Township, Magway Region, declared 15 soldiers, including the section commander, as deserters. The announcement stated that these 15 soldiers were deemed deserters for not returning to duty within the allotted absence period and for undermining the revolution by influencing fellow comrades to abandon the force. A large resistance base was set on fire in Sagaing Region, after deserters leaked information about it to the junta (Photo: Strategic Unit 47, Yinmarbin District) Action against deserters A Mandalay-based PDF leader told Myanmar Now that deserters face punishment if recaptured, while those who join the junta are treated as traitors. “We work to resolve the challenges that caused them to desert,” he told Myanmar Now. “If they decide not to remain in the force but pose no threat to us, we allow them to formally resign. Those who defected to the junta with firearms are deemed high-level traitors and will be shot on sight if encountered.”He said keeping discipline and communication has grown harder as the war drags on, warning that leaders must stay connected to their troops and address their needs. He added that rebuilding strength requires better training and clearer direction, as defectors have exposed camp locations, leading to deadly raids. That risk has already materialised. On March 7, a resistance base in Yinmarbin Township, Sagaing Region, was hit by junta artillery and burned, reportedly with guidance from defectors. The unit’s fighters were away at the frontline, avoiding casualties but losing key supplies, sources say. Despite such setbacks, the NUG said 536 junta members, including two majors, defected in 2025, as resistance forces took full control of 37 townships and blockaded dozens more.Even so, the momentum is uneven: gains on paper, but strain on the ground. Recent setbacks and internal pressures show how fragile those advances can be, as the resistance enters a more uncertain phase.“Having endured hardships for so long and enjoyed a better life after capturing towns, they find it difficult to handle retreats,” the PDF officer said. “They are reluctant to return to previous struggles, and this has weakened their morale.”

Myanmar resistance hit by rising desertions

Fighters cite lack of weapons and support, while the junta amplifies surrenders for propaganda gains

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