Than Shwe's retirement imminent

Friday, 27 August 2010 21:04 Mizzima News

Mizzima has learned from military sources that Burma's military dictator Senior General Than Shwe will officially resign his post in September. The ageing dictator will be replaced as head of the Armed Forces by General Thura Myint Aung, a close ally in his 50's.

Our sources have also confirmed that the regime's second in command, Vice Senior General Maung Aye, will also follow Burma's notorious strongman into official retirement. Maung Aye, widely known for his alcoholism and loyalty to Than Shwe will be replaced by the former Chief of the Bureau of Special Operations Lt. Gen Ko Ko.

According to sources, while it has yet be announced by Burma's state owned media General Min Aung Hlaing has already been promoted to become the junta's third ranking member, Joint Chief of Staff of the combined Army, Navy and Air Force. This powerful position was formerly held by the recently retired General Thura Shwe Mann.

Quarter Master General Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo will soon be relived by former Naypyidaw Command head Maj. Gen. Wei Lwin.

Most of the senior officers holding the position of Lt. Gen. have already resigned, and have been replaced by Maj. Gen. rank officers, many of whom were regional commander chiefs.

It is expected that many of Burma's newly resigned senior officers will contest Burma's upcoming November election. An election which many observers expect to be rigged.

Below are the names of other newly promoted senior officers and their rankings:



Current Post Former Post
Joint Chief of Staff of the Army, Navy and Air Force BSO 2 chief - Lieutenant General
Min Aung Hlaing
Quartermaster General

Naypyidaw Command chief
Major General Wei Lwin
Adjutant General Coastal Command chief
Major General Khin Zaw Oo
Military Appointment General Rangoon Command chief
Major General Win Myint
Rangoon Command LID 77 chief Colonel Tun Than
Military Intelligence Headquarters Southwestern Command chief
Major General Kyaw Swe
Chief of Military Ordnance Deputy Defence Minister
Major General Thein Htay
BSO 1 - Kachin State, Mandalay Division, Chin State, Sagaing Division Northwestern Command chief
Major General Myint Soe
BSO 4 - Karen State, Mon State, Tenasserim Division Southeastern Command chief
Major General Thet Naing Win
Abbreviations
BSO – Bureau of Special Operations
LID – Light Infantry Division