Dragged Into War: Junta’s Mass Arrests Target Young Men in Conflict Areas

August 22, 2025

The military Junta has escalated its campaign of fear by carrying out widespread arrests of young men across Mon State and the Tanintharyi Region, forcing many into military conscription. In towns and villages, young men between the ages of 18 and 40 are being targeted in late-night raids, checkpoints, and workplace sweeps. Families say their loved ones have been taken without warning and, in many cases, disappeared into military training camps, leaving entire communities gripped by fear and uncertainty.

On July 26, more than 40 young men were rounded up in Pu Tane Yoe village, Thaton Township, Mon State. They were taken to Thaton Town Police Station, Thein Sake Police Station, and the 9th Military Training Camp. A relative of one of those detained recalled:

“When we went to the police station and asked, they said the men had already been sent to the 9th regiment. They told us that if we wanted them released, we had to provide substitutes for conscription. That was all they would say.”

The arrests have continued relentlessly. On August 9, around 30 Junta personnel stormed the office of Lo Yar Phyate, a local social and funeral service group in Thein Za Yet Town, Kyike Hto Township. At least 15 displaced men sheltering there were detained and transferred to the 207th Light Infantry Battalion. Family contact has been completely denied.

In Bilin Township, more than 30 young men were seized along the Bilin–Taung Zune Motorway and forced into military training. Villagers reported that junta units are operating mobile arrest teams:

“They wait in the evenings when young men are coming home from work. They don’t stay in one place. They move around and arrest whoever they can. Sometimes, they even beat the young men they take,” said a Taung Zune resident.

Those arrested include residents of Taung Zune, Thit Toe Kyune, Zoke Toke, Ah Nile Pon, and Hpwal Ka Lar villages. Most have been sent to the 6th Military School under the Mawlamyine-based Southeast Military Command.

In Tenasserim, arrests are also widespread. On July 28, at least 16 workers were arrested during night checks in villages of Kaw Thaung Township for allegedly failing to file “visitor reports.” Similar checks in nearby villages and stone mines led to further arrests, though exact numbers remain unconfirmed. Many detainees under 35 years old were forced into conscription, while those able to pay bribes as high as 25,000–30,000 Baht were released.

The repression continues in Dawei, where soldiers and administrators at the Ka Myaw Kin Bridge Security Gate and in downtown wards have arrested dozens. On July 8, seven young men from Launglon Township were detained; on August 4, another 11 young men were arrested in Dawei City and sent to the military hospital for forced medical checks before being sent to training camps.

“They send the conscription letters only after arresting them. First, they claim to check the ‘visitors’ list,’ but really they come to homes at night to take young men,” said a Dawei resident.

According to HURFOM field reports, the junta has already organized 15 rounds of conscript training since the February 2021 coup attempt. Those who complete training are sent immediately to the front lines. Communities fear that with the 16th batch now underway, arrests and forced recruitment will only escalate.

For families in Mon and Tanintharyi, the terror is constant. Young men no longer feel safe going to work or traveling to nearby towns. Villagers say they live in fear that any knock at the door could mean their sons or brothers being dragged away:

“These arrests are destroying our lives. We worry every day who will be taken next. Even the displaced and the workers just trying to survive are not safe,” said a local resident.

Written by HURFOM · Filed Under Feature, News