{"id":6391,"date":"2025-06-08T12:21:34","date_gmt":"2025-06-08T05:51:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/moemaka.net\/eng\/?p=6391"},"modified":"2025-06-08T12:21:34","modified_gmt":"2025-06-08T05:51:34","slug":"military-council-announces-arrests-related-to-assassination-of-retired-major-general-and-former-ambassador","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/moemaka.net\/eng\/2025\/06\/military-council-announces-arrests-related-to-assassination-of-retired-major-general-and-former-ambassador\/","title":{"rendered":"Military Council Announces Arrests Related to Assassination of Retired Major General and Former Ambassador"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Myanmar Spring Chronicle \u2013 June 6 View<\/strong><\/p>\n

(MoeMaKa, June 6, 2025):<\/p>\n

\n

Military Council Announces Arrests Related to Assassination of Retired Major General and Former Ambassador<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The military council announced that several individuals\u2014including family members and accomplices\u2014have been arrested in connection with the late May assassination of U Cho Htun Aung<\/strong>, a retired major general and former ambassador, who was shot dead in front of his home in Yangon.<\/p>\n

Among the two attackers involved in the shooting, one has been captured. In addition, the suspect\u2019s family members, the getaway accomplice\u2019s relatives, lookouts at the scene, those who helped the assailants flee, and the medical staff who treated a bullet wound on one shooter’s leg have also been detained, according to the junta\u2019s statement.<\/p>\n

This announcement, made within two weeks of the assassination, seems aimed at portraying the junta’s swift investigative capabilities. The main suspect remains at large, but his wife and child were arrested. The other captured shooter\u2019s wife and 6-year-old daughter were also detained. The public has widely criticized the junta for treating these family members as suspects and displaying their photos in official announcements.<\/p>\n

The clinic owner, doctors, and intermediaries who treated the wounded suspect have also been arrested\u2014suggesting the junta intends to detain anyone connected<\/strong>, knowingly or not, with the operation.<\/p>\n

The suspects have reportedly been linked to four other prior assassinations.<\/p>\n

After the killing, a group called Golden Valley Warrior<\/strong> claimed responsibility and denied any guilt on the part of those currently detained. They also asserted that their members remain safe, contradicting the junta\u2019s narrative.<\/p>\n

Whether this denial aims to protect the security of detainees or serves another purpose remains unclear.<\/p>\n

The junta, on its part, proudly claims it has captured one of the main attackers and nearly all accomplices, while opposition groups refuse to acknowledge any such participation.<\/p>\n

The retired general who was killed had been teaching as a visiting lecturer at the National Defence College (NDC)<\/strong>, where senior military officers are trained\u2014making him a military target in the eyes of resistance groups.<\/p>\n

Such targeted assassinations are meant to intimidate military personnel and former officers residing in cities like Yangon and Mandalay. It reflects a strategy that targets individuals connected to the military regime rather than broader efforts to dismantle the system itself. This approach is unlikely to receive support from foreign governments or international human rights groups.<\/p>\n

The junta has used this incident in its propaganda efforts, attempting to tie it to NUG (National Unity Government)<\/strong> defense minister U Yee Mon, even without strong evidence. This is part of the junta\u2019s ongoing effort to paint the NUG as a violent, terrorist group.<\/p>\n

In response, it would be appropriate for the NUG to clarify whether it has any connection to the incident, explicitly state its stance on targeted killings, and explain whether it condones or condemns such tactics.<\/p>\n

Throughout Myanmar\u2019s 70-year civil war history, political assassinations have occasionally occurred, though not frequently. Some ethnic and Burmese armed groups have carried out assassinations or bombings, and these tactics appear to have increased since the 2021 coup<\/strong>. However, few organizations have publicly acknowledged responsibility or endorsed such methods.<\/p>\n

Urban guerrilla groups allegedly led by Ko Zeya Thaw have targeted police stations and administrative figures. Junta statements have also accused them of targeting ward officials.<\/p>\n

While targeting active military commanders might aim to weaken the enemy’s operations, assassinations of retired officers or civilian administrators<\/strong> may serve more to instill fear\u2014intimidating civilians associated with the military rather than directly undermining the regime.<\/p>\n

These actions raise the concern that targeted killings are drifting away from strategic, systemic resistance and moving toward individualized terror and retaliation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The military council in Myanmar announced the arrest of several individuals related to the assassination of U Cho Htun Aung, a retired general. Critics condemn the junta\u2019s approach, targeting family members of suspects. The assassination reflects a broader strategy to intimidate military personnel, raising concerns over escalating violence and its implications for resistance strategies.<\/p>\n

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