Military launches psychological warfare, claiming AA has surrendered to cover up military defeats

Ayeyarwaddy Times July 30 It has been observed that the military is frequently engaging in psychological warfare propaganda, portraying the emergence of defectors to boost the morale of its supporters and within the military, as it suffers heavy losses in battles within Ayeyarwaddy Region, which borders Rakhine State. Due to the offensives by the Ayeyarwaddy PDF, which is fighting in coordination with the Arakan Army (AA) in the areas of Ye Kyi, Sapoun, Lay Myet Hna, and Shwe Thaw Yan townships, the military has reportedly lost three main bases as well as guard posts. In recent days, during an operation to recapture Point 227 guard post, a large number of military personnel were killed or injured, and the wounded had to be transported to the Shwe Myint Tin crematorium in Pathein city and the No. 4 Light Infantry Division hospital, indicating significant defeats. Amidst these battlefield setbacks, the Ministry of Information of the interim government announced today, July 30, that "20 members of the AA and 12 members of the PDF, who accepted and believed in the peace processes of the state and the military, have entered the legal fold with their weapons and ammunition." "This is a counter-psychological operation. In recent months, the AA has captured military bases and displayed weapons, and there have been casualties that cannot be accommodated in hospitals. This is being done for them. With the new commander, this is the second time in a month that the AA has surrendered weapons under his tenure," a source told the Ayeyarwaddy Times. The military's announcement stated that a ceremony was held at the Southwestern Military Command (Ayeyarwaddy Hall), attended by Chief Minister U Aye Kyaw and Commander Major General Aung Kyaw Hlaing, where cash rewards were presented. Military analysts point out that the military regularly engages in such propaganda, claiming the emergence of defectors, especially when it is losing bases and suffering heavy casualties on the battlefield bordering Rakhine and Ayeyarwaddy. Analysts say that portraying a large number of members from various townships as defectors is a psychological warfare tactic aimed at preventing the morale of military supporters from dropping, halting the collapse of morale within the military, and causing the public to become suspicious of the revolutionary forces. Photo - Interim Government Media