Mizzima

The Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) reported on 9 November that a soldier from the Light Infantry Battalion (362) of Myanmar’s Military Council surrendered during intense fighting in northern Shan State.

The TNLA said the soldier defected to to TNLA forces in Konesone Village in Lashio Township on 8 November, bringing his weapons. 

The soldier reportedly abandoned the front-line battleground due to a reluctance to fight and a desire to avoid death. TNLA acknowledged the surrender and awarded him 1.5 million kyats as travel expenses, escorting him to a safe area to join his family. 

Due to Operation 1027 in Northern Shan State, conducted by the Three Brotherhood Alliances, which includes the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), and the Arakan Army (AA), the Military Council is facing significant setbacks, leading to the surrender of junta soldiers. Additionally, it has been reported that 41 soldiers from the Military Council's Infantry Battalion (143) in Kunlong Township surrendered to the alliance forces on 30 October.

TNLA has also declared that soldiers who choose to surrender will be assured of their life and safety in accordance with the principles of human dignity and a soldier's dignity. Furthermore, the alliance commits to supporting the travel expenses for these surrendered soldiers to reunite with their families, ensuring they are not subject to arrest or detention.