The Yaw Regional Defence Force (YDF) was formed to unite local youths in Saw township and Kyaukhtu township in Gangaw District, Magway Region.

Previously, the Saw PDF and Kyaukhtu PDF were separate groups and have now merged to form the Yaw Regional Defence Force (YDF).

An official said they did not join the existing Yaw Regional Defence Force (YRDF), but formed a separate group called the YDF.

"We will partner with the existing Yaw PDF as an ally. To fully protect the lives and property of all people, including the ethnic groups in Yaw area. It was formed by young people from Saw township and Kyaukhtu township,” a YDF official told Mizzima.