The Mon State Defense Force (MSDF) and the Mon State Revolutionary Force (MSRF), two armed resistance groups formed during the Spring Revolution and focused on the Mon people, have begun military cooperation, officials from both sides confirmed.
The agreement between MSRF and the MSDF encompasses joint military training, and collaboration in the production of military equipment. The agreement also entails the mutual exchange of military information and fighting together as allies in the event of conflicts.
On April 7, MSRF and MSDF pledged to fight together until the complete eradication of the military dictatorship, committing to maintain their unity and alliance, until a new sovereign, and strong Mon State is established, sources said.
Nai Naga, spokesperson for MSRF, stated that since the agreement, numerous practical collaborations have been implemented between both parties.
"There is already a lot of cooperation under the agreement, including organizing training together. Our organizations are also discussing cooperation with other Mon resistance forces”, he told Than Lwin Times.
MSDF commander Dr. Thiri Mon Chan also verified the commencement of basic military education and technical courses in collaboration with MSRF. However citing security concerns, he mentioned that specific details could not be disclosed at the moment. He expressed intent to share the details only after the successful completion of the military training.
"The creation of a special task force, comprising fighters from both the MSDF and MSRF, marks a significant agreement in our military cooperation. We aim to deploy this task force across the extensive battlefields of Mon State in the near future”, he emphasized.
In response to the Mon people's aspiration for unity among the resistance forces in Mon State, the Mon State Federal Council (MSFC) convened meetings and engaged in discussions with MSRF and MSDF.
Following these tripartite meetings, in the first week of April, certain members of the political and military leadership committees of MSDF agreed to join MSFC and collectively undertake political responsibilities.
Separately, on April 23, MSFC and the New Mon State Party - Anti Dictatorship (NMSP-AD) reached several political and military cooperation agreements, culminating in a joint statement issued by both parties.
The statement outlined agreements between NMSP-AD and MSFC for collaboration in social relief works and various other sectors, extending beyond military and political domains.