By Kantarawaddy Times
Soldiers from the military council, captured during battles in Loikaw, Karenni State, have admitted to using WY stimulant tablets and setting fire to civilian homes under orders from their superiors. These confessions came from troops belonging to Battalion 80, under the command of Infantry Division 66.
In a video interview released by the KNDF (Karenni Nationalities Defense Force), a soldier identified as Myo Thet Min, with ID number BS/1…0, stated:
“I used to burn houses under orders—about two or three homes at 6-mile in Dee Maw Hso. The commanders gave the orders, and we had no choice but to follow them. If the area needed to be cleared for military strategy or if clothing and other items were found in the houses, we would burn them. I deeply regret these actions and sincerely ask for forgiveness from the people. We were acting under the orders of senior officers, and we had no choice but to comply,” said Myo Thet Tun.
The KNDF also reported that even in areas without active clashes, the military has intentionally targeted civilian homes for arson. Another soldier, Phoe Htoo, with the identification number TT/1…1, confirmed this, stating that over 60 homes were destroyed during one of the operations he was involved in.
Additionally, military defectors have reported that the Myanmar military frequently obtains WY pills (methamphetamine) through illicit means and forces soldiers to use them, especially during guard duty, to keep them awake and energized. Soldier Myo Thet Min stated:
“They give us small pills to take during guard duty to prevent us from falling asleep. When someone is stressed, these pills also help to boost their energy, which is why they are used.”
Captured defectors also revealed that soldiers on the front lines are often forced to fight without retreating, following direct orders from superior officers. Zaw Lin Phyo, a soldier with identification number Tat/1…4, confirmed this during an interrogation.
The captured soldiers further disclosed that many in the ranks had joined the military involuntarily—either through forced conscription or recruitment under a lottery system.
Since the military coup, the conflict in Karenni State has resulted in the destruction of 2,784 homes due to heavy artillery, small arms fire, airstrikes, and arson attacks, as reported by the Progressive Karenni People’s Force (PKPF) on December 1.
