People's Defence Force (Mandalay)
| Mandalay People's Defence Force | |
|---|---|
| ပြည်သူ့ကာကွယ်ရေးတပ်မတော် (မန္တလေး) | |
 Insignia flag of the Mandalay People's Defence Force | |
| Active | 2021–present |
| Allegiance | National Unity Government of Myanmar |
| Type | Guerrilla militia |
| Role | Armed resistance, local defence, joint offensives with ethnic armies |
| Size | Several battalions (est. dozens to hundreds of fighters) |
| Engagements | Mandalay clashes (June 2021), Operation Kanaung, Operation Taungthaman, Natogyi ambush, Singu & Madaya offensive |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | Soe Thuya Zaw |
The Mandalay People's Defence Force (Burmese: မန္တလေးပြည်သူ့ကာကွယ်ရေးတပ်မတော်; abbreviated Mandalay-PDF) is an armed resistance group operating in Mandalay Region, Myanmar.[1][2] It was formed in 2021 under the command structure of the People’s Defence Force (PDF) established by the National Unity Government (NUG) in opposition to the military junta that seized power in the 2021 coup d’état.[3] The Mandalay-PDF is one of the most active and strategically important resistance forces in central Myanmar, known for launching coordinated attacks, seizing junta camps, and conducting drone operations in collaboration with ethnic armed organizations.[4] The group is led by Soe Thuya Zaw, a former public health officer turned resistance commander.[5]
Background and formation
[edit]In response to the 2021 military coup, ousted lawmakers of the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw formed the National Unity Government (NUG), which on 5 May 2021 officially launched the People’s Defence Force (PDF) as its armed wing. The Mandalay-PDF was later established as a regional PDF unit focused on resisting junta forces within Mandalay Region and surrounding areas.[6][7]
Operations and engagements
[edit]Mandalay-PDF first engaged junta forces during multiple clashes in June 2021. On 1 June, fighters ambushed soldiers near a local high school, killing one, and the following week attacked police in Patheingyi Township. In late June, they declared open warfare on the junta after a raid in Chanmyathazi Township resulted in casualties and arrests on both sides.[8][9]
Throughout 2023–2025, Mandalay-PDF partnered with ethnic allies in several large-scale operations. Operation Kanaung (July–October 2023) was a joint offensive with TNLA in northern Mandalay that reportedly eliminated at least 76 junta troops.[10] Operation Taungthaman (from October 2023) involved coordinated assaults in Madaya Township leading to the seizure of military positions. During the Natogyi ambush in March 2025, Mandalay-PDF claimed nearly 50 junta casualties. In the Singu and Madaya offensives between July 2024 and June 2025, over 64 junta soldiers surrendered as PDF units seized army camps in those areas.[11]
Organization and composition
[edit]Mandalay-PDF aligns with the broader PDF structure, which is decentralized into guerrilla squads, platoons, companies, and battalions under regional command centers. The group announced plans in December 2024 to form an additional brigade in Sagaing Region, indicating operational expansion beyond Mandalay.[12]
Women make up approximately 10 percent of Mandalay-PDF’s ranks and fill key roles in administration, medical support, training, and drone operations.[13]
Leadership
[edit]The most prominent commander is Soe Thuya Zaw, a former dentist and public health officer from Mogok. He initially led the PDF’s drone unit before assuming overall command. He spearheaded operations such as Operation 1027 and has been central to Mandalay-PDF's strategic direction.[14]
Strategic importance
[edit]Mandalay-PDF plays a central role in resisting junta authority in central Myanmar. With Mandalay as the country’s symbolic and logistical heartland, the group’s ability to seize towns and military assets undermines junta control and emboldens both civilian resistance and coordination with ethnic armed forces.[15]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Understanding the People's Defense Forces in Myanmar". United States Institute of Peace. Retrieved 2025-06-15.
- ^ "Women of the MDY-PDF explain their role in Myanmar's armed resistance". Myanmar Now. 2024-08-27. Retrieved 2025-06-15.
- ^ "Resistance fighters seize more army bases, police station in Mandalay Region". Myanmar Now. 2024-07-04. Retrieved 2025-06-15.
- ^ "Mandalay-based resistance forces capture eight Myanmar army camps in a week". Myanmar Now. 2024-07-03. Retrieved 2025-06-15.
- ^ Now, Myanmar (24 June 2021). "Four men killed in car during Mandalay clash were not PDF members, families say". Myanmar Now. Retrieved 2025-06-15.
- ^ Now, Myanmar (22 June 2021). "Mandalay PDF 'declares war' on junta". Myanmar Now. Retrieved 2025-06-15.
- ^ Hsu, Aye Chan (2025-04-22). "Analysis | Central Myanmar's People's Defense Forces Stake a Growing Claim". The Irrawaddy. Retrieved 2025-06-15.
- ^ "Resistance forces push military regime close to brink in Myanmar". Voice of America. 2024-10-28. Retrieved 2025-06-15.
- ^ "A brief history of the People's Defense Force (PDF)". DVB News. 2024-07-20. Retrieved 2025-06-15.
- ^ "People's Defense Force (PDF) – The Diplomat". thediplomat.com. Retrieved 2025-06-15.
- ^ Lwin, Saw (2024-11-26). "Myanmar Junta Seize Western Madaya From Resistance Groups". The Irrawaddy. Retrieved 2025-06-15.
- ^ Nachemson, Andrew. "Myanmar anti-coup forces target Mandalay in struggle to oust military". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2025-06-15.
- ^ Fishbein, Hpan Ja Brang,Emily. "'Potential for new Myanmar' as anti-coup forces push new northern offensive". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2025-06-15.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ "Myanmar's civil war reshaped in past year with coordinated offensive by powerful resistance groups". WRIC ABC 8News. 27 October 2024.
- ^ "Mandalay People's Defence Force seizes Zayat Kwin military camp in Thabeikkyin Township". Mizzima News. 14 August 2025.