Myanmar PDF commanders map out future plans to transition from defensive war to ‘Strategic Offensive’

Senior commanders of the People’s Defense Force (PDF) under the Ministry of Defense of the National Unity Government (NUG) have decided to upgrade the People’s Defensive War to a “Strategic Offensive,” according to a decision made at a senior commanders’ meeting. The plans were approved and adopted during the four-day Commanders’ Meeting (2/2026), held from 3 to 6 August. Officials from 10 military regions, one division, and various departments under the General Headquarters attended, the NUG Ministry of Defense announced 7 August. The adopted plans include strategic participation in the Military Strategic Coordination and Command Committee of the Steering Committee for the Establishment of a Federal Democratic Union (SCEF) in accordance with the three unity principles, as well as coordinated offensive plans with allied Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) across various military regions. On the final day of the meeting, NUG Acting President Duwa Lashi La and Union Prime Minister Mann Win Khaing Than attended, where senior PDF commanders received political leadership and guidance, the statement said. This is described as the second commanders’ meeting of its kind, following an inaugural meeting held in February of this year. Combat operations under the PDF General Headquarters are currently conducted across 10 military regions: Sagaing, Mandalay, Magway, Southern Shan-Kayah (Karenni), Naypyidaw, Bago, Yangon, Ayeyarwady, Tanintharyi, and a Special Military Region.