The Demoso People’s Defense Force (DMO-PDF) said that 68 comrades have been killed in Karenni (Kayah) State in the three years since its formation.
In addition, 40 comrades have lost limbs, said Dah Moe, Secretary 1 of the DMO PDF.
“There were many injured comrades, either over 200 or 278. And of those who lost their limbs, there are 28 in our local PDF and 12 among those we sent to the Union forces. Among the fallen are 48 comrades from the local DMO PDF. There are over 20 comrades in the three battalions sent by the Union forces,” said Dah Moe.
He added that the DMO PDF has been helping the comrades who lost limbs as much as possible.
The DMO PDF comprises four battalions of the local DMO PDF and three battalions of the Union forces under the National Unity Government (NUG).
According to DMO PDF Secretary 1 Dah Moe, around 900 female comrades are currently serving in the force, excluding reservists and rear troops.
The proportion of female soldiers in the DMO PDF is around 15 percent. They work in areas such as healthcare, offices and logistics, he explained.
The resistance group has participated in joint military operations with other resistance forces in Karenni State.
“In terms of military operations, the DMO is active in many areas of Karenni State. We participated in the Battle of Mese and carried out military activities in Mese, Hpasawng, Hpruso, Nan Hpe, Demoso, Loikaw, Pekon, Moebye, and Hsihseng, Salong (South) and Salong (North) in Southern Shan State. As part of the joint military front, we also operate in a regionally coordinated manner,” he said.
In addition, about 100 people have joined the DMO PDF after the military council announced the military service law, with about 70 of them having undergone basic military training, he said.
Under the NUG’s guidance, the Demoso People’s Defense Force was established on 6 May 2021. Therefore, 6 May 2024 marks the third anniversary of the formation of the resistance force.
Sent by Kantarawaddy Times
