Regime sends new conscripts to frontlines near Arakan State

By Admin 27 Jan 2026

DMG Newsroom

27 January 2026, Ann

Myanmar’s military regime is deploying newly recruited conscripts to frontlines bordering Arakan State, including Ayeyarwady, Magway, and Bago Regions, where clashes with a coalition led by the Arakan Army (AA) are intensifying.

In the Ann-Padan area, large numbers of conscripts are being used in offensives against positions held by the Arakan Army and its allies.

Chit Ko Zin, a conscript captured by the Arakan Army during the battle of Pazi Village on Ann-Padan Road on 17 January, described the harsh conditions faced by new recruits.

“Many conscripts died from sniper fire or shrapnel from drone bombs. When a battle starts, we do not dare to fire forward or retreat. If we advance, we are killed by the enemy. If we retreat, our battalion commander threatened to shoot us himself,” he said.

Casualty rates have soared as the regime continues to send conscripts to the frontlines, leading to a significant number of surrenders.

Chit Ko Zin said he was among 118 conscripts sent to the Padan frontline after training, accompanied by only 20 regular regime soldiers. He added that the regime is using conscripts as ‘human waves’ and that officers reportedly force recruits to take drugs before sending them into battle.

The regime is attempting to retake lost territory with conscripted forces, supported by airstrikes and heavy artillery.

“The regime is replacing depleted regular forces with conscripts. In battles along the Arakan border, it is increasingly relying on militia rather than regular soldiers. Conscription has given the regime temporary breathing space,” a military observer said.

On the Magway frontline near the Arakan border, a joint force led by the Arakan Army has captured at least eight outposts, including Gotegyi, a defensive position for the Nat Yay Kan tactical base. The regime continues counter-offensives with massive reinforcements.