Some PDF units cut ties with NUG following base relocations

A number of People’s Defence Force (PDF) units under the command of the National Unity Government (NUG) have withdrawn in opposition to plans to relocate their bases, Myanmar Now has confirmed. Four units—two columns and two battalions, active in the Southern and Central military regions of the NUG’s Ministry Defence (MOD), respectively—formally withdrew from the MOD’s chain of command at the end of January, sources said. The resignations of the Albino Tiger and Galon columns, active in Sub-region 3 of the Southern Military Region, were approved by the MOD on January 29. They are based in Karen State’s Kawkareik and Kyainseikgyi townships, within the territory of Brigade 6 of the Karen National Union (KNU). A directive issued by the Joint Operation Command (JOC) in June 2024 was cited as the main reason for the departure of these two columns. The JOC is a high-level military supervisory committee established to enhance coordination between the MOD and the KNU’s armed wing, the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA). The JOC comprises Lt-Gen Baw Kyaw Heh, the KNLA’s vice chief of staff; Lwin Ko Latt, the NUG’s Union Minister of Home Affairs and Immigration; and Comrade Shaw Shar, deputy commander of the southern military region. A source close to the PDF columns stated that the JOC directive ordered the relocation of PDF columns from Military Sub-region 3—including southern Karen State, southern Mon State, and Tanintharyi Region—to Military Sub-region 2 due to strategic military needs. Military Sub-region 2 covers northern Karen State, northern Mon State, and Bago, Ayeyarwady, and Yangon Regions. At present, PDF forces have only limited control over areas within Military Sub-region 2, including parts of eastern Bago Region, northern Karen State, and northern Mon State. Although most PDF columns have agreed to the JOC directive, the Albino Tiger and Galon columns have opted to remain where they are currently based rather than relocate to Military Sub-region 2. The MOD also indicated that it would permit columns unable to follow the relocation directive to resign. Therefore, the two columns that couldn’t relocate their bases resigned, a source close to the PDF columns said. “The directive required all columns to relocate. There were concerns that if one or two columns stayed behind, others might follow suit. The Albino Tiger made it clear from the start that they could not comply. Initially, the Galon Column offered a certain number of troops, but later they also stated they couldn’t follow the order and would resign,” the source said. Lt Kyaw Hein, deputy commander of the Albino Tiger Column, confirmed to Myanmar Now that they resigned from the NUG because they were unable to relocate their base. “Relocating our base is impossible while we are fighting the Aung Zeya Column. Moving would imply that we have abandoned or neglected Karen State, which has been the heart of training for many resistance fighters,” he said. He explained that they chose to continue resisting in Karen State to bolster other Karen forces in their fight against the junta army, particularly as battles persist in the region amid the current challenging situation. After the resignation, the column will operate under the name Bo Kyaw Hein Column, falling under the command of Tactical Operation Command No. 31, led by Commander Saw Kyaw Thet of the KNLA’s Brigade 6, according to Lt. Kyaw Hein. He also confirmed that they will continue their alliance with the NUG. Members of the Galon Column, alongside troops from the Albino Tiger Column and Mon Liberation Army, pictured on the 77th Anniversary of Martyrs' Day (Galon Column) The Albino Tiger Column, with approximately 200 troops, has about 60 members who wish to remain as PDF forces under the NUG, according to a source close to the PDF columns. These soldiers have been reformed into the Southern Eagle PDF and plan to relocate to Military Sub-region 2 to continue their service, the source added. Myanmar Now contacted the Galon Column through an online inquiry to ask about the reason for their resignation, but did not receive a response. In a statement issued on February 1, the Galon Column reported that since March 25, 2022, it has been involved in battles in Taung Kyar Inn, Kawt Bein, Chaung Hnit Khwa, and Kan Ni villages, operating under the MOD. It also shared that during the revolutionary battles, 20 soldiers sacrificed their lives, and five others lost their limbs. The statement also clarified that the column’s resignation was due to its unwillingness to continue serving under the MOD, but stressed that it would remain committed to the revolution. The source close to the PDF columns also revealed that the Galon Column is led by 88-Generation resistance fighters and has strong ties with the Mon revolutionary forces. He also stated that the column has set up fully equipped military units, including its own training school, drone unit, communications unit, and weapons-manufacturing facility. He further explained that the column seemed determined to collaborate with the Mon resistance forces to continue their fight on the Mon battlefront, which is why they were opposed to relocating to Military Sub-region 2. Both the Galon and Albino Tiger Columns, upon resigning, returned most of the weapons issued by the MOD. The columns explained that certain weapons have not been returned because they are currently being used on the frontline. The Central Military Region Members of Battalion 1005, pictured in December 2024 (1005 Infantry) Battalions 1005 and 1008, operating along the border of Karenni State and southern Shan State under the Central Military Region, announced their resignation, citing their intention to collaborate with the Southern Shan State Local Revolution Union, which is not affiliated with the NUG, and to continue their revolutionary efforts as part of a coalition. On February 1, the battalions released a statement thanking the MOD for granting their resignation. Sources close to Battalions 1005 and 1008 stated that they opted to remain as resistance forces in southern Shan State due to geopolitical factors, which led to their resignation from the MOD. Similarly, NUG Minister of Defence Yee Mon stated during the Spring Revolution European Forum, held online on February 2, that there could be multiple reasons behind the resignation of some battalions from the MOD. Yee Mon explained that one reason could be the battalions’ preference to align with groups able to provide them with weapons, as the MOD could not meet their supply needs. He also cited their inability to follow the relocation plan as another factor. “I see this situation as a chance to offer them an exit. However, we will continue to value these units, whether or not they stay under the MOD’s chain of command, as long as they continue fulfilling their duties in any part of the revolution.” However, Yee Mon emphasised that any weapons supplied by the MOD should be returned following the resignation. He noted that while some groups have returned the weapons, others have not done so yet.

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