Myanmar: Rebels on back foot as military forces men into army

Four young men aged 19-25 were forcibly conscripted by Myanmar's military while returning home or working. After four months of training, they were sent to the front in Karen state, from which they escaped to join the People's Defence Force (PDF). Forced conscription has shifted the junta's fortunes: rebels who made gains two years ago are now on the defensive against the junta that seized power in 2021. The military still controls less than half the country.