The junta is rapidly expanding the strength of the militias under its command across townships in Mon State.

Sources close to the junta said the militia expansion drive in Mon State has accelerated under orders from the junta-appointed Minister for Security and Border Affairs.

The junta has ordered local administration officials to establish militia units at the ward and village levels and submit lists of recruited members. The junta stated that the move aims to strengthen its control over regional security.

However, sources close to the junta said the coup regime also plans to deploy newly recruited militia members to frontlines alongside regular army troops.

Mon State residents reported that junta-aligned militia members have recently manned security checkpoints, conducted inspections and arrests, and used weapons to intimidate the public.

Additionally, within communities, these armed militia members have patrolled with police, conducted surprise inspections in crowded areas, and carried out nighttime raids on residents’ homes ostensibly to check overnight guests but in reality, to extort money.

Meanwhile, in a congratulatory message for the 79th Union Day on February 12, the junta leader declared plans to build a modern civil defense system that would involve the public in the nation’s defense and security sectors.