Mandalay PDF threatens regime ward admins over forced conscription and extortion claims

What happened

The Mandalay People’s Defence Force (PDF), a resistance group, told DVB that regime-controlled ward and village administrators in Madaya, Singu, and Thabeikkyin townships are forcibly recruiting males aged 18 to 35 under the junta’s conscription law, and some are reportedly extorting monthly bribes from households to exempt eligible males from recruitment. The PDF said it has warned these administrators they could become legitimate military targets.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure, battlefield claim or single-source assertion should be treated as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source or a named official. These townships, located 40 to 144 kilometers north of Mandalay city, were retaken by the junta between November 2025 and January after being controlled by the PDF. The conscription law requires males aged 18 to 35 and females aged 18 to 27 to serve a minimum of two years in the military. According to the National Unity Government (NUG), around 135,080 males have been conscripted in 27 waves since February 2024, with the latest intake commencing in early September.

The PDF’s claim of forced recruitment and extortion by regime-appointed administrators remains unverified beyond the resistance group's statements. The report does not confirm specific incidents or provide independent evidence of forced conscription practices or extortion arrangements, nor does it confirm any military responses or casualties linked to the warning.

Known from the source

• The Mandalay PDF warned ward and village administrators in Madaya, Singu, and Thabeikkyin that they may be targeted over forced conscription and extortion.
• These administrators allegedly forcibly recruit males aged 18 to 35 for military conscription under the regime’s law and collect bribes of 10,000 kyats monthly per household to exempt males from recruitment.
• The junta regained control of the mentioned townships between November 2025 and January.
• Myanmar’s conscription law requires males aged 18–35 and females aged 18–27 to serve at least two years.
• The NUG reported approximately 135,080 males conscripted in 27 rounds since February 10, 2024.

What remains unclear

This allegation adds to broader reports of coercion and pressure on civilians in Myanmar’s conflict zones as the junta attempts to replenish its forces amid ongoing resistance. Coercive conscription practices and local complicity increase risks for civilians, complicate humanitarian access, and underscore contested control in Mandalay Region's northern townships.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Verify forced conscription and extortion claims with independent or consistent sources beyond the PDF statement. Confirm whether the PDF has designated ward and village administrators as military targets and if any actions have followed. Check for independent reports or evidence of forced conscription practices in Madaya, Singu, and Thabeikkyin townships.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: DVB English. Open the source.