Defections, Surrenders, and PoWs Reach 9,863 as of January 2026

Based on updated figures compiled by People’s Goal using publicly available news sources, the total number of defectors, surrenders, and prisoners of war (PoWs) from the junta’s ranks has reached 9,863 as of January 2026. This cumulative figure, covering the period from 2023 to January 2026, includes soldiers, police officers, and militia members and reflects continued erosion within the regime’s security forces.

From 2023 to January 2026, a total of 8,346 soldiers have defected, surrendered, or been captured as PoWs, comprising 3,402 defections, 960 surrenders, and 3,984 PoWs. In addition, 848 police personnel and 669 militia members were recorded as having exited the junta’s control through defection, surrender, or capture.

January 2026 Monthly Update

During January 2026, People’s Goal recorded 179 new cases of defections and PoWs:

• 175 soldiers (64 defections and 111 captured as PoWs)

• 1 police officer (captured as a PoW)

• 3 militia members (captured as PoWs)

Taken together, both the cumulative and monthly figures indicate ongoing fractures within the junta’s security apparatus. The persistence of defections and captures points to declining morale, weakening command cohesion, and growing disillusionment among those previously enforcing military rule.