After the nationwide anti-coup protests were violently suppressed in 2021, many fled to the border to receive military training from ethnic armed groups. This led to the establishment of the People’s Defense Force (PDF) under the National Unity Government (NUG) Ministry of Defence.
TRANSCRIPT—What’s happening in Myanmar is worth your attention. Let me take a minute to explain about the People’s Defense Force, or PDF.
Following the 2021 military coup in Myanmar, ousted parliamentarians formed the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw.
Two months later it established the National Unity Government, or NUG.
Its aim is to return Myanmar on its path toward democracy rather than submit to military rule.
After the nationwide anti-coup protests were violently suppressed, many fled to the border to receive military training from ethnic armed groups.
This led to what we now call the PDF under the NUG Ministry of Defence.
It divides the PDF into three military regions and operates two command centers alongside ethnic resistance organizations- to fight the military.
Research group ISP-Myanmar states there are over 200,000 PDF members.
It also states that ethnic armed groups and its allied PDF control up to 60 towns across Myanmar.
Criticism of the PDF has come from women who’ve joined its ranks.
Some say they’ve faced sexual harassment and abuse at PDF bases.
Stay tuned to DVB English News for the latest on What’s happening in Myanmar.
Subscribe to our Daily Briefing newsletter on our website.
And listen every Friday to the Weekly Briefing podcast.
