The Myanmar military continues to suffer heavy defeats on the battlefield due to poor training, low morale, and weak combat skills, according to a senior military officer who recently surrendered to the Arakan Army (AA).
After his unit was completely destroyed in combat in Ngape Township, Magwe Region, Lieutenant Colonel Kyaw Kyaw Thet, the previous leader of Strategic Team 992 under Light Infantry Division (LID) 99, turned himself in to the AA on January 31 along with the 20 surviving soldiers.
His unit, initially comprised of over 360 soldiers, suffered catastrophic losses in clashes with the AA. The officer confirmed in a video released on February 11 by a Burmese-language media outlet that the military is struggling with fundamental deficiencies, stating, “Our military has poor training, and the troops have low fighting spirit and weak combat skills. They also lack strong morale. Because of this, the military will not only lose to the AA but will continue to be defeated in all battles, everywhere.”
The video, which was initially shared on social media by Khit Thit Media, was later verified as genuine by AA spokesperson Khaing Thukha, though he declined to provide further comments.
Heavy Casualties and Tactical Failures
According to Kyaw Kyaw Thet, Strategic Team 992 underwent specialized training from December 31 to January 12 at the No. 3 Basic Military Training School in Ngape. The training included instruction in using the MA-7 extended-range mortar. Following this, the unit was deployed to the Padan Village-tract area near Rakhine State’s Ann Township.
Two days after their arrival, the AA launched a major assault on their position at Payakone Pagoda, forcing the unit to retreat to Point 1455. Despite reinforcements from Strategic Teams 991 and 993, the junta forces suffered devastating losses. Within days, Strategic Team 992 alone lost 100 soldiers, with another 100 injured. The unit was ill-equipped, lacking sufficient medical supplies to treat the wounded.
The situation further deteriorated on January 31, when Kyaw Kyaw Thet was injured by an artillery shell fired by his own forces while retreating from advancing AA troops in Gote See Yoe Village-tract. With his unit scattered, he regrouped with 20 remaining soldiers at Point 1399, where he ultimately contacted the AA and surrendered peacefully.
AA Expands Control Across Myanmar
Since launching Operation 1027 in October 2023, the AA, along with the Brotherhood Alliance, has made significant territorial gains. The group has taken control of much of northern Shan State and expanded operations into Rakhine State, where it now holds 14 of 17 townships, as well as Paletwa Township in southern Chin State.
Recently, the AA has pushed further, extending its operations from Rakhine into Ayeyarwady Region and advancing into border areas of Magwe and Bago Regions. The junta has mounted counteroffensives, particularly along the Ann-Padan Road, but has struggled to stem the tide of defeats.
As the Myanmar military faces mounting losses, defections, and crumbling morale, the balance of power in the ongoing civil war appears to be shifting decisively in favor of the ethnic armed organizations.
