Myanmar junta forces young men to serve in military: report

Myanmar has been in chaos since the military seized power.

Myanmar’s military junta has made military service compulsory for all young men and women in an effort to rein in armed rebel forces fighting for greater autonomy across the country, state media said on Saturday.

All men aged 18-35 and women aged 18-27 must serve up to two years, while specialists such as doctors under the age of 45 must serve three years. State media said the service could be extended to five years during the ongoing state of emergency.

Myanmar has been mired in chaos since the military seized power from the democratically elected government in a 2021 coup.

The Tatmadaw has suffered casualties since October as it fights a coordinated offensive by three ethnic rebel groups and an alliance of pro-democracy fighters who have taken up arms against the junta.

It is the biggest challenge the military has faced since it first took power in the former British colony in 1962.

Analysts say the Tatmadaw is struggling to recruit soldiers and has begun forcing non-combatants to the front lines.

“The responsibility to protect and defend the country is not limited to soldiers but also includes all citizens. Therefore, I want to tell everyone to proudly abide by this People’s Military Service Law,” junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun told state media.

A law imposing mandatory conscription was introduced in 2010 but has not been enforced until now. The legislation says those who fail to comply with the draft could face up to five years in prison.

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