Updated Defection Data as of April 2026

For years, people across Myanmar have witnessed soldiers, police officers, and militia members leaving the institutions they once served. Some fled conflict zones, some surrendered to resistance forces, while others were captured during clashes. Behind each number is a personal story shaped by fear, exhaustion, loss, uncertainty, and the reality of a country trapped in prolonged conflict.

According to updated data compiled by People’s Goal, a total of 10,174 military personnel, police, and militia members have defected, surrendered, or become prisoners of war between 2023 and April 2026. Among them, soldiers make up the largest portion with 8,633 cases, followed by 865 police personnel and 676 militia members.

The numbers show how deeply the conflict has affected Myanmar’s security forces over the past several years. Across many regions, fighting has intensified while resistance groups continue to expand operations. For many personnel on the ground, daily realities now include constant movement, insecurity, airstrikes, loss of comrades, poor conditions, and growing uncertainty about the future. In this situation, some chose to walk away, some laid down their weapons, and others were captured in battle.

The data also reflects changing realities within the country’s power structure. Prisoners of war account for the highest number overall, particularly among soldiers, suggesting the growing operational strength of resistance forces in multiple areas. At the same time, the continued flow of defections and surrenders points to declining morale and weakening confidence inside the military system itself.

While statistics alone cannot fully explain the complexity of Myanmar’s conflict, they offer a snapshot of how much the situation has shifted since 2023. Each figure represents a life caught in a crisis that continues to reshape communities, institutions, and the country’s future. As of April 2026, the updated data stands as another reminder that the conflict is not only being fought on the battlefield, but also within the minds and choices of those still inside the system.

Disclaimer: The figures presented are compiled from publicly available information and secondary data sources, including open source reporting, media coverage, and publicly documented announcements. Due to the limitations of conflict related reporting and verification challenges, the actual numbers on the ground may differ.