Mizzima  

In a press release marking the second anniversary of the official formation of People’s Defence Forces(PDFs), the Ministry of Defence (MoD) of the National Unity Government (NUG) stressed the standing in unity together under one flag. 

The MoD under the NUG issued the press release on 5 May, speaking of its progress in the past two years. 

In the press release, the MoD expressed its appreciation and acknowledgement to the ethnic revolutionary organizations (EROs) for their support in the establishment and operation of the PDF army in the areas of training, joint recruitment, enforcement and aid. 

The press release also acknowledged the role of public support, assistance and motivation in the existence of PDFs which has made significant milestones over the past two years such as the forming of 300 battalions and columns throughout the country and creating people’s defence organisations (PDOs or Pa-Ka-Fa) in over 250 townships, which may actually outnumber the Myanmar junta’s combat forces.   

It also clarified that the PDF Army comprises of three military regions, namely northern region, southern region and central region, its collaboration with relevant allied ethnic revolutionary organisations, and leading roles of experienced commanders from these EROs in the majority of PDF battalions and columns in the respective regions and sub-regions. 

The press release mentioned ongoing Asymmetrical Warfare of the PDF against a significantly more advanced enemy with superior weapons, airpower, technology and military expertise, and that the PDF is exercising ‘People’s War Strategy’ while utilizing ‘Guerrilla Warfare’ in its military tactics.  

The PDFs are in need of arms and ammunition due to insufficient funding, although they are receiving various small arms, motors, sniper rifles, small unmanned aerial vehicles (Drones), and various mines, including assault rifles, to some extent, and also manufacturing some weapons. It has also engaged in networking, cooperation, and knowledge gathering, while sharing experience with diplomats, military attachés from various countries, international organizations, and academic institutions. 

The resistance forces are carrying out military operations throughout the country, with the strategy of applying pressure on the enemy by conducting ‘multidimensional warfare’. 

The MoD said that PDFs killed at least 29,650 enemy forces and injured 11,230 others. Meanwhile, over 13,000 members of the army and police force reportedly defected and joined the resistance forces in different regions.