The Information Department of the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF) Central reported that over 50 Military Council soldiers and police personnel have defected to the resistance side since the commencement of 'Operation 11.11' in Karenni State.
A KNDF official clarified that the distinction between defectors and surrendered prisoners of war (POWs) has been made, and the current count only includes defectors, excluding PoWs.
"We need to differentiate between defectors and PoWs. The total number of defectors who joined us is more than 50, a mixture of soldiers and policemen. However due to the current ongoing operations and communication conditions, I cannot provide an exact figure at this time”, he told MNJ.
KNDF and its allied resistance forces launched 'Operation 11.11' on November 11th and are presently in an ongoing offensive campaign with the objective of capturing Loikaw, the capital of Karenni State.
KNDF has also confirmed instances of individuals deserting the Military Council, surrendering, and defecting amidst ongoing operations, urging additional soldiers, police, and government employees to join the resistance.
KNDF reported that between November and December, four policemen and two policewomen at the Bawlakhe Township Police Station in Karenni State defected, and on January 5th, an additional policeman at the Bawlakhe District Police Station also defected, prompting the awarding of monetary recognition to them.
