File Photo
Mizzima
Questions are being raised about why Vice Senior General Soe Win, the junta’s second-in-command, has not been seen in public since 3 April.
His latest no-show was at a Union Government meeting held at the State Administration Council (SAC) Chairman’s Office in Naypyitaw on the morning of 22 April. As the Vice Chairman of the State Administration Council (SAC) and the Deputy Defense Services Commander-in-Chief for the army General Soe Win would have been expected to attend the meeting.
The last time the 64-year-old General Soe Win was seen in public was on 3 April, at a parade ground ceremony at the Military Combat Training School (Ba Htoo) in southern Shan State, where he was seen meeting with officers.
On 8 April General Soe Win was visiting the junta’s Southeastern Military Command Headquarters in Mawlamyine Town, Mon State when the Alpha Bats Drone Force launched a drone attack on the base, according to military sources.
Reports suggest that General Soe Win was injured in the drone attack and required medical treatment, though the junta has not confirmed this.
The Alpha Bats Drone Force said that they attacked the Southeastern Military Command Headquarters with two kamikaze drones at around 5:00 pm on 8 April, whilst General Soe Win was attending an operational meeting with other senior junta officers.
According to the Alpha Bats Drone Force, more than 30 junta soldiers were wounded and helicopters were damaged helicopters in the attack. However, Mizzima has been unable to verify these claims.
Two days after the attack, junta spokesman Brigadier General Zaw Min Tun announced that Soe Win was still fulfilling his security and defence duties.
But, despite these claims, General Soe Win has not been spotted on any trips or events since the attack on the Southeastern Military Command Headquarters. He was also not seen at any Thingyan water festival celebrations that he normally attends in other years.
According to speculation and rumours General Soe Win may have been killed or severely injured during the attack.
Military and political analysts say that the junta might soon announce General Soe Win’s retirement due to health issues, to address the rumours and uncertainties.
Rumours are also swirling that Lieutenant-General Kyaw Swar Lin, the current Quartermaster-General, will be promoted to Deputy Defence Services Commander-in-Chief for the Army to replace General Soe Win. Unfortunately, Mizzima has been unable to independently confirm any of these rumours.
