Myanmar PDF fighters face setbacks in jungle camp

Pro-democracy People's Defence Forces fighters in Myanmar are trying to maintain morale at a secret jungle camp after military setbacks and retreats from earlier opposition gains.

Around 100 fighters are based at the camp in Sagaing region, many linked to the Mandalay PDF. The camp was set up after a retreat from Mandalay, and its parade ground also serves as a football pitch.

The PDFs took up arms against Myanmar's junta after the 2021 military coup. After earlier opposition successes, the military has advanced on numerous fronts, and some ethnic rebel groups that helped the fighters have been neutralised through China-brokered ceasefires.

Authorities activated conscription legislation in February 2024 to replenish the military's ranks. Monitor ACLED says there have been more than 100,000 conflict-related deaths on all sides since the coup.

A 25-year-old squad commander identified by the nom de guerre Skate said some fighters had doubts about the revolution's prospects but that losses also gave them motivation. Mon Mon Nway Oo, a 24-year-old fighter, said she felt sad after withdrawing from Mogok when allied forces agreed to pull back under a China-mediated deal.

Another PDF fighter, Nay, said the rebels had gained weapons and troops since starting with little, and claimed their morale remained an advantage over the military.