Myanmar Enforces Mandatory Military Service Amid Armed Conflict
In a significant move, Myanmar's junta has activated a conscription law requiring young men and women to serve in the military, as it faces increasing challenges from armed resistance groups.
- Myanmar's military government has activated a conscription law, making military service mandatory for young men aged 18-35 and women aged 18-27.
- The law, introduced in 2010 but never enforced until now, comes as the junta struggles against armed ethnic militias and pro-democracy forces.
- Specialists, including doctors up to the age of 45, are also required to serve, with service durations extendable up to five years during a state of emergency.
- The activation of the conscription law follows significant battlefield losses by the military, including territory and trade routes to China.
- Those failing to comply with the draft face imprisonment for up to five years, amid reports of forced recruitment and declining morale among military personnel.
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