This footage, provided by the Myaing Village People (MVP) Militia, shows their guerilla force, augmented by another militia group known as the Scorpion People’s Defense Force. Together, they raid Myanmar Army positions in and around the Myaing-Pakkoku area.

This group makes particular, distinctive use of Turkish-made, magazine-fed semi-automatic shotguns. These platforms have something of a mixed reputation in the United States and other Western nations- while the guns themselves are relatively cheap and easy to come by, quality control can prove iffy, as can service and replacement parts. However, this seems to be less of a problem for anti-junta PDFs and militias. Given their proven ability to build entire weapons in clandestine workshops, replacement parts and magazines probably present little difficulty, especially since the shotgun has been a common weapon in the conflict since its outset. One fighter is shown seemingly unbothered to use his shotgun in a single-shot capacity while his magazine is replenished.

About the Author

Cole Simms

Cole Simms is an Air Guardsman, NASA enthusiast, police officer, and security contractor with particular experience in austere environments. Outside of work, he volunteers as a Stop The Bleed instructor for area schools. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and blends his knowledge and experience to write analysis for Funker530.

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