DKBA defectors return to the KNU
Posted on October 21, 2009
Filed Under Burma news, Karen news | Comments Off
DKBA soldiers Source: The Irrawaddy
More than 100 soldiers from the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA), a pro-junta militia have defected to the Karen National Union (KNU) since June reports the Irrawaddy.
Recent months have seen heavy fighting between the DKBA and the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), the armed wing of the KNU. The soldiers are said to have defected, as they did not want to fight against their fellow Karen.
The Irrawaddy quotes sources along the border as saying about a dozen defectors returned to areas controlled by the KNLA’s Brigade 6 and Brigade 7 last week.
The DKBA has around 6,000 troops, compared to fewer than 4,000 for the KNLA. However, it has begun a recruitment drive aimed at increasing its numbers to 9,000. The drive is in line with plans for the group to transform into a border guard force.
The State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), Burma’s ruling military junta is trying to get all armed ethnic groups that it has signed ceasefire agreements with to transform into border guarder forces ahead of elections planned for next year.
However, several so-called ceasefire groups have rejected the SPDC’s request and many DKBA soldiers are said to be unhappy with their leader’s decision to agree to the request.
The Irrawaddy quotes one defector as saying, despite the agreement by DKBA leaders to transform into a border guard force, some DKBA battalions have not yet agreed with the order.
The DKBA split from the KNU in early 1995. The junta was quick to take advantage of the split and the DKBA is widely blamed for the fall of Marneplaw, the Karen’s self declared capital and strongest military base later that year.
Related posts:
- Villagers forced to relocate as DKBA prepares for assault on Brigade 5 The Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) is taking up positions...
- Offensive against KNLA Brigade 5 planned for next month Following the successful offensive against the Karen National Liberation Army’s...
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
Comments
-
Mae Sot weather
