A total of 106 soldiers resigned from the Ministry of Defense (MOD) of the National Unity Government (NUG) and have joined the Karenni Nationalities Defence Force (KNDF) Tactical Operations Command (TOC)-8, Battalion-23, according to an officer from the battalion-1004.
He stated that this is the Battalion- 1004 of the Southern Pekon People’s Defense Force (SPDF), and a ceremony was held on 2 April to officially mark their defection to TOC-8, Battalion-23 of the KNDF.
“The strength of the defected battalion is 106,” said an officer from the Battalion-1004.
The officer from the Battalion-1004 stated that the defection of the battalion is aimed at strengthening military operations.
He said the aim is to transform the Union Army into a state army and enhance its unity in military operations.
“The MOD also granted generous permission for the battalion’s defection. The KNDF Deputy Commander-in-Chief, members of the Central Committee, the Central Military Director, and the Strategic Commanders attended the ceremony and extended their welcome,” said the officer of the Battalion1004.
During the revolutionary period, it was reported that eight comrades from the 1004th Battalion, which served under the NUG Ministry of Defense (MOD), were killed.
On 4 April, the Battalion- 1004 of the Southern Pekon People’s Defense Force (SPDF) announced its resignation from the MOD and returned the battalion’s name, logo, badge, and the NUG pay account to the MOD.
Sent by Kantarawaddy Times