Significant arming of the local civil defense forces by the NUG has been seen. Previously, EAO areas only equipped groups such as the Cobra Column, but now mainland areas such as Sagaing, the local civil defense forces in Magway and Bago may be partially, but not fully, armed. The last thing I know is that more than 30 people’s defense forces in the Yinma Pin area of Sagaing Division have been given five small arms each. Five arms is not enough for a group, but it is a strength for disadvantaged groups. NUG is late in doing this, but it is better than doing nothing.
