Disappointed By Politics And Injustice, 80 Myanmar Air Force Soldiers Have Defected

The leader of the Myanmar military regime, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, tests the Myanmar warplanes. (Source: Office of the Commander-in-Chief)

JAKARTA - About 80 soldiers have defected from the Myanmar Air Force since the February 1 military coup, said a sergeant and a Myanmar Air Force captain who joined the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM).

Sgt Aung Zay Ya, a member of the Myanmar Air Force who joined the CDM in early April, revealed that the Myanmar military regime through the Air Force Central Command announced that the soldiers had defected.

"They have printed the names of every soldier who defected and placed them in the air force command along with their photos", said the man who once served at the Yangon Regional Command, as reported by Myanmar Now, Wednesday, May 5.

He further explained that soldiers were usually declared defectors after not showing up for 21 days. He chose to defect because he did not agree with the military being involved in politics.

"Frankly, I didn't like it from the start. I really like doing my job. If you are a soldier, do army work. It is very unpleasant to see these soldiers being all-things-wise, who think they can fix the country and be part of politics. I never liked them", he criticized.

The defection from Myanmar's military regime began in March, including soldiers from Air Force Command Tada-U, Namsam, Pathein, Mingaladon, and Taungu said an Air Force Captain who defected and did not wish to be named.

"They didn't announce it as CDM, they just ran away. There are about 80 people", said the captain who was willing to leave his post.

Separately, a soldier from Mingaladon Air Force Command said he left his job before the coup, out of dissatisfaction.

"I couldn't stand it. I graduated from the Government Technical Institute. In the air force, I was forced to sweep floors and collect trash", he said.

There were also defectors from commands in Meiktila and Magwe, most of whom were of low rank, said a soldier who also asked not to be named for his safety.

“There is no justice in the military, all soldiers are oppressed. Just look at the housing in the government. There are holes in the roof", he concluded.

Regarding Myanmar Coup. VOI editorial team continues to monitor the political situation in one of the ASEAN member countries. Casualties from civilians continue to fall. You can follow the news surrounding the Myanmar military coup by clicking on this link.