July 2 –
In Kale (Kalay), Sagaing Region, the military junta has continued its campaign of forcibly recruiting young men, with reports indicating intensified abductions throughout June. On the evening of June 30, a group of 4 to 5 young men was seized by junta troops in plainclothes from a beer shop in San Myo Ward, according to an eyewitness who spoke to Chin World Media.
The witness said, “They’re arresting people almost daily now. Just the other day, I personally saw them grab several young men from a beer shop in San Myo in the evening. They were taken in a private car by soldiers in plainclothes. Four or five were taken. Not long ago, they even stormed into houses in the ward. Some were dragged away without even being allowed to put on a shirt. Once arrested, they are either sent to the Directorate of Recruitment (DAC) or, if not, taken to the township office, then undergo a medical check. After that, if they’re selected, they’re sent to Training Camp No. 10—or in some cases, flown to other towns by military aircraft.”
Since early June, junta forces have been targeting areas in Kale with large youth populations. A local monitoring the situation said, “With this approach, they can easily detain 30 to 40 people per week.”
“Sometimes they come in plainclothes, other times in military uniform. Once a person is taken, at least two armed guards stand in the back of the vehicle. They mostly use civilian cars now, and it’s police and Pyusawhti militia members who are carrying out these operations,” the resident added.
In the early phases, the junta attempted to recruit through official summons delivered via ward and village administrators. However, due to widespread resistance and evasion, the regime has shifted tactics—abducting youths without prior notice and immediately sending them to military training camps.
The junta launched its first batch of public conscription (Batch 1) in May 2024. It has since progressed to Batch 14, and preparations are reportedly underway for Batch 15, indicating the regime’s continued effort to replenish its military ranks amid intensifying conflict across the country.