Myanmar officials have detained 16 individuals, including a six-year-old girl, in connection with the assassination of a retired general who was shot dead in Yangon last month, according to state media.
Cho Tun Aung, a former ambassador to Cambodia, was killed outside his residence on May 22 in an incident claimed by an anti-junta group known as the “Golden Valley Warriors.”
Since the military takeover in 2021, Myanmar has descended into a complicated, multi-faceted civil conflict involving pro-democracy guerrilla fighters and rejuvenated armed groups from ethnic minorities.
While most of the clashes occur in rural areas and smaller towns, grenade and gun attacks targeting junta-associated individuals frequently happen in Yangon, the largest city and commercial centre of Myanmar.
The Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper reported that 16 members of the Golden Valley Warriors—13 males and three females—were apprehended in different locations.
Among those detained are the wife and six-year-old daughter of the alleged shooter, identified as Myo Ko Ko, as stated by the state-controlled newspaper, which did not clarify any accusations against the girl.
According to the report, Myo Ko Ko and another suspect biked to the general’s residence and opened fire before fleeing to a safe location.
The junta has faced notable territorial losses in recent months; however, analysts suggest it is still far from being overthrown, given its strong air force equipped with Russian fighter jets and military support from China.
