POW says junta soldiers offered cash, promotions and drugs before combat in Arakan

By Admin 23 Sep 2026

DMG Newsroom

23 September 2026, Ponnagyun

The military regime entices its soldiers with promotions and cash bonuses while providing them with narcotics before sending them into battle in Arakan State, according to prisoners of war captured by the Arakan Army.

Private Yan Nyein Aung, a captured junta soldier, said during interrogation that commanders promised financial rewards and battlefield promotions for killing enemy troops during combat operations.

Private Yan Nyein Aung added that police units actively distribute and sell drugs and alcohol to junta soldiers at frontline positions and rear military bases.

"Nearly 99 out of 100 junta soldiers use drugs, alongside frequent alcohol consumption," Private Yan Nyein Aung said. "Police officers sell narcotics not only at the frontlines but also at rear bases. Junta troops are under the influence of drugs while fighting."

Private Yan Nyein Aung was conscripted under the Military Service Law into Light Infantry Battalion 252, under the Pakokku-based 101st Light Infantry Division. He was captured by the Arakan Army on September 20 during clashes along the Sittwe-Ponnagyun border.

The military regime launched its Ponnagyun offensive using combined forces drawn from battalions under the 101st Light Infantry Division, 22nd Light Infantry Division, Western Command, and conscripted militia units.

Junta command designated the offensive operation as "Operation 4926," but the assault was broken on its opening day, resulting in heavy junta casualties and an orderly retreat.

During the fighting, several junta battalion and column commanders were killed, while junta troops surrendered at least four outpost camps.

Captured soldiers urged remaining junta troops to defect or escape at the first opportunity, citing a total lack of accountability and care from military leadership.

"They accept no responsibility or accountability for junta soldiers who die unacknowledged," Private Yan Nyein Aung said. "Injured junta soldiers or those left disabled receive no support, and information is kept completely hidden from us. I advise my remaining comrades to escape whenever an opportunity arises."

The military regime initiated its offensive toward Ponnagyun on September 4, but counterattacks by the Arakan Army inflicted heavy losses and repulsed junta forces.

Fighting remains intense along the Sittwe-Ponnagyun border, with additional junta soldiers being taken prisoner by the Arakan Army. Facing battlefield setbacks, the military regime has intensified its reliance on aerial bombardment across Arakan State.