Reports Emerge of Child Soldiers Used in Myanmar Conflict, Drugged and Deployed by Military Council
In a disturbing development from Myanmar, evidence has surfaced indicating the Military Council’s use of child soldiers as young as 13, deployed on the frontlines and allegedly administered drugs. This revelation came to light following a raid by the People’s Defense Forces on a Military Council base camp near Myingyan University in Thae Pyu Wa, Kyak Gone, Myingyan Township, Mandalay Division.
During the early hours of April 1, the People’s Defense Forces launched an attack on the Military Council’s stronghold. In the aftermath, they discovered and detained underage individuals and women who had been forcibly conscripted by the Military Council. According to the communications officer from the No. 3 Battalion of Myingyan District, among those detained was a boy under 13 years of age, found in full combat attire, including a bulletproof vest.
“These individuals, including a young boy armed with a nine-shot gun and ammunition, were later released along with the women detained during the operation. Escapees included teenagers aged 15 and 16, while an 18-year-old detainee was found in possession of drugs, displaying unsettling behavior as he set the camp on fire,” the officer reported.
Further investigations by the No. 3 Battalion have unveiled a grim picture of the Military Council’s recruitment strategies, involving the drugging of children to erode their will and force them into service. The raid, which was a coordinated effort involving several resistance groups such as the Moshe Dayan Guerrilla Force, Mom’s Arm Guerrilla Army, and the Justice Warriors Force, underscores the severe human rights abuses occurring within the conflict-ridden nation.
The use of child soldiers represents a flagrant violation of international law and highlights the desperation of the Military Council to maintain its grip on power amidst widespread resistance. This report sheds light on the harrowing conditions faced by those forced into conflict, especially the young, who are manipulated and exposed to unimaginable dangers on the frontlines.