KNDF

 

A former conscript in Myanmar’s military has alleged that junta troops are being openly permitted to loot civilian homes in areas of active conflict, describing the practice as “spoils of war” sanctioned by commanding officers.

 

Ko Aung Ko Ko Hein, who recently defected to the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF), said in a video interview released Wednesday that he was forcibly recruited from the street and deployed to Karenni State shortly after completing basic training. He claims soldiers are encouraged to strip homes of valuables—including copper wiring, motorbikes, and household appliances—especially in villages abandoned by residents fleeing clashes between regime forces and resistance groups.

 

“Officers pay soldiers for copper extracted from electric cables and resell it at profit,” he said, adding that commanders routinely turn a blind eye to looting. “They say they have a right to the items because they’ve won the war.”

 

The allegations come amid renewed fighting in southern Shan and Karenni states, where the junta has launched a major counteroffensive against resistance forces. Since retaking Mobye in July, regime troops have pushed into Demoso and Hpruso, with fresh clashes reported this week in Loikaw and neighbouring Pekon township.

 

The KNDF says several junta conscripts have defected in recent days, citing poor treatment and fear for their lives. Ko Aung Ko Ko Hein described conscripts as “cannon fodder”, routinely bullied by sergeants and abused by senior officers.

 

Looting by regime forces is not new. Since the 2021 coup, similar incidents have been reported in Sagaing, Magwe and Mandalay regions, often accompanied by arson attacks. In August, troops and allied Pyu Saw Htee militia reportedly raided villages in Myingyan District, stealing furniture and transporting it by truck to military bases.

 

The latest claims add to mounting evidence of systemic abuse within Myanmar’s armed forces, as the junta continues its campaign to crush resistance in ethnic minority regions. With fighting intensifying and defections rising, the regime faces growing scrutiny over its battlefield conduct and treatment of civilians.

 

-2025-10-13

Looting is common during and after a war. It is a bad habit of troops with no ethics.

3 hours ago, Purdey said:

Looting is common during and after a war. It is a bad habit of troops with no ethics.

 

Yes indeed, like Thailand looting Cambodian land!

Or indeed like the Brits in Germany!

 

 

9 hours ago, Purdey said:

Looting is common during and after a war. It is a bad habit of troops with no ethics.

It's not a war per se. It's the army murdering their own people to stay in power.

22 hours ago, Cameroni said:

Or indeed like the Brits in Germany!

 

 

If we're apportioning blame, then all 4 quarters were complicate, some more that others.