Min Aung Hlaing: Difference between revisions
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| predecessor = [[Aung San Suu Kyi]]<br>(as [[State Counsellor of Myanmar|State Counsellor]]) |
| predecessor = [[Aung San Suu Kyi]]<br>(as [[State Counsellor of Myanmar|State Counsellor]]) |
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| successor = |
| successor = |
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| deputy = [[Soe Win (general)|Soe Win]] |
| deputy = [[Soe Win (general)|Soe Win]] (general) |
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| term_start = 2 February 2021 |
| term_start = 2 February 2021 |
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| term_end = |
| term_end = |
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| successor1 = |
| successor1 = |
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| deputy1 = {{list collapsed|title=''See list''| |
| deputy1 = {{list collapsed|title=''See list''| |
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*[[Soe Win (general)|Soe Win]] |
*[[Soe Win (general)|Soe Win]] (general) |
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*[[Mya Tun Oo]] |
*[[Mya Tun Oo]] |
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*[[Tin Aung San]] |
*[[Tin Aung San]] |
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| 1blankname2 = {{nowrap|[[State Counsellor of Myanmar|State Counsellor]]}} |
| 1blankname2 = {{nowrap|[[State Counsellor of Myanmar|State Counsellor]]}} |
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| 1namedata2 = [[Aung San Suu Kyi]] |
| 1namedata2 = [[Aung San Suu Kyi]] |
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| deputy2 = [[Soe Win (general)|Soe Win]] |
| deputy2 = [[Soe Win (general)|Soe Win]] (general) |
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| term_start2 = 30 March 2011 |
| term_start2 = 30 March 2011 |
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| term_end2 = |
| term_end2 = |
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| party = |
| party = |
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| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1956|7|3|df=y}} |
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1956|7|3|df=y}} |
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| birth_place = [[Minbu]], [[Post-independence Burma, 1948–1962|Burma]]<ref>{{cite news |title=တပ်မတော်ကာကွယ်ရေးဦးစီးချုပ် ဗိုလ်ချုပ်မှူးကြီး မင်းအောင်လှိုင် Asian Fame Media ၏ ပေါ်ပြူလာနယူးစ်ဂျာနယ်မှ မေးမြန်းမှုများအား Video Teleconference မှတစ်ဆင့် လက်ခံတွေ့ဆုံဖြေကြားမှုများအပိုင်း(၁) |url=https://cincds.gov.mm/node/9677?d=1 |work=cincds.gov.mm |date=4 November 2020 |language=my |access-date=3 January 2022 |archive-date=3 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220103114214/https://cincds.gov.mm/node/9677?d=1 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
| birth_place = [[Minbu]], [[Magway Region]], [[Post-independence Burma, 1948–1962|Burma]]<ref>{{cite news |title=တပ်မတော်ကာကွယ်ရေးဦးစီးချုပ် ဗိုလ်ချုပ်မှူးကြီး မင်းအောင်လှိုင် Asian Fame Media ၏ ပေါ်ပြူလာနယူးစ်ဂျာနယ်မှ မေးမြန်းမှုများအား Video Teleconference မှတစ်ဆင့် လက်ခံတွေ့ဆုံဖြေကြားမှုများအပိုင်း(၁) |url=https://cincds.gov.mm/node/9677?d=1 |work=cincds.gov.mm |date=4 November 2020 |language=my |access-date=3 January 2022 |archive-date=3 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220103114214/https://cincds.gov.mm/node/9677?d=1 |url-status=live }}</ref> (now [[Myanmar]]) |
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| death_date = |
| death_date = |
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| death_place = |
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| spouse = [[Kyu Kyu Hla]] |
| spouse = [[Kyu Kyu Hla]] |
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| children = Multiple, including:<br/>[[Aung Pyae Sone]]<br/>[[Khin Thiri Thet Mon]] |
| children = Multiple, including:<br/>[[Aung Pyae Sone]]<br/>[[Khin Thiri Thet Mon]] |
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| website = {{URL|www.seniorgeneralminaunghlaing.com.mm}} |
| website = {{URL|www.seniorgeneralminaunghlaing.com.mm}} |
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| nickname = |
| nickname = |
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| allegiance = |
| allegiance = {{armed forces|MYA}} |
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| branch = |
| branch = {{army|MYA}} |
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| serviceyears = 1974–present |
| serviceyears = 1974–present |
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| rank = [[Senior general (Myanmar)|Senior |
| rank = [[File:18. Myanmar Army SGEN.svg|15px]] [[Senior general (Myanmar)|Senior General]] |
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| unit = |
| unit = |
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| commands = |
| commands = |
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*[[Myanmar civil war (2021–present)]] |
*[[Myanmar civil war (2021–present)]] |
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*[[Rohingya conflict]] |
*[[Rohingya conflict]] |
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*[[Communist insurgency in Burma]] |
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*[[Battle of Kawmoora]] |
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| honorific_prefix = [[His Excellency]]<ref>[https://www.mfaic.gov.kh/posts/2023-08-22-Press-Release-Congratulatory-Message-of-His-Excellency-Senior-General-Min-Aung-Hlaing--Prime-Minister-of-the-Repub-22-43-29 Press Release - Congratulatory Message of His Excellency Senior General Min Aung Hlaing] (Published on August 22, 2023)</ref><br>[[Senior general (Myanmar)|Senior General]]<br>[[Order of the Union of Burma|Maha Thray Sithu]]<br>[[Thiri Thudhamma Thingaha|Thiri Thudhamma]] |
| honorific_prefix = [[His Excellency]]<ref>[https://www.mfaic.gov.kh/posts/2023-08-22-Press-Release-Congratulatory-Message-of-His-Excellency-Senior-General-Min-Aung-Hlaing--Prime-Minister-of-the-Repub-22-43-29 Press Release - Congratulatory Message of His Excellency Senior General Min Aung Hlaing] (Published on August 22, 2023)</ref><br>[[Senior general (Myanmar)|Senior General]]<br>[[Order of the Union of Burma|Maha Thray Sithu]]<br>[[Thiri Thudhamma Thingaha|Thiri Thudhamma]] |
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| nationality = [[Burmese people|Burmese]] |
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| citizenship = [[Myanmar nationality law|Burmese]] |
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}} |
}} |
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'''Min Aung Hlaing''' ({{lang-my|မင်းအောင်လှိုင်}} |
'''Min Aung Hlaing''' ({{lang-my|မင်းအောင်လှိုင်}}; {{IPA-my|mɪ́ɰ̃ àʊɰ̃ l̥àɪɰ̃|pron}}; born 3 July 1956) is a Burmese army general who has ruled [[Myanmar]] as [[chairman of the State Administration Council|the chairman]] of the [[State Administration Council]] ([[State Administration Council|SAC]]) since seizing power in the [[2021 Myanmar coup d'état|February 2021 coup d'état]]. He additionally appointed himself [[Prime Minister of Myanmar]] in August 2021. He has led the [[Tatmadaw]] ([[Myanmar Armed Forces|armed forces]] of [[Myanmar]]), an independent branch of government, as the [[Commander-in-chief of Defence Services|Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services]] since March 2011, when he was handpicked to succeed longtime military ruler [[Senior general (Myanmar)|Senior General]] [[Than Shwe]], who transferred leadership over the country to a civilian government upon retiring.<ref name="Reuters SAC dissolved">{{cite news |title=Myanmar army ruler takes prime minister role, again pledges elections |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/myanmar-military-ruler-promises-elections-says-ready-work-with-asean-2021-08-01/ |access-date=10 August 2021 |work=[[Reuters]] |date=1 August 2021 |archive-date=1 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801191831/https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/myanmar-military-ruler-promises-elections-says-ready-work-with-asean-2021-08-01/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="who_is_hlaing_2021_02v06_nikkei_com">[https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Myanmar-Crisis/Who-is-Myanmar-junta-chief-Min-Aung-Hlaing-5-things-to-know "Who is Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing? 5 things to know,"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211219202613/https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Myanmar-Crisis/Who-is-Myanmar-junta-chief-Min-Aung-Hlaing-5-things-to-know |date=19 December 2021 }} 6 February 2021, ''[[Nikkei Asia]],'' retrieved 28 December 2021</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=1 February 2021|title=Myanmar coup: Aung San Suu Kyi detained as military seizes control|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-55882489|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131232954/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-55882489|archive-date=31 January 2021|access-date=|website=BBC News}}</ref> Before assuming leadership over the [[Tatmadaw]], Min Aung Hlaing served as Joint Chief of Staff from 2010 to 2011. |
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Born in [[Minbu]], [[Post-independence Burma (1948–1962)|Burma]], Min Aung Hlaing studied law at the [[Rangoon Arts and Science University]] before joining the military. Rising through its ranks, he became a five-star general by 2013.<ref name=ranksawarded>{{cite news |title=Myanmar coup: Who is army Chief Min Aung Hlaing? |url=https://www.tbsnews.net/world/myanmar-coup-who-army-chief-min-aung-hlaing-194995 |access-date=27 March 2021 |work=[[The Business Standard]] |date=1 February 2021 |archive-date=13 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813052613/https://www.tbsnews.net/world/myanmar-coup-who-army-chief-min-aung-hlaing-194995 |url-status=live }}</ref>{{better source needed|reason=The tbsnews.net site is for Dhaka-based 'The Business Standard' -- not 'Tokyo Broadcasting System Television' (I've corrected it), and THEIR article cites 'Wikipedia' as their source -- an improper [[WP:CIRCULAR|circular reference]].|date=December 2021}} During the period of civilian rule from 2011 to 2021, Min Aung Hlaing worked to ensure the military's continued role in politics and forestalled the [[Myanmar peace process|peace process]] with [[Internal conflict in Myanmar|ethnic armed groups]]. A United Nations fact-finding mission found he deliberately perpetrated the [[Rohingya genocide]]. He maintained an adversarial relationship with democratically-elected State Counsellor [[Aung San Suu Kyi]], though she defended him against genocide charges.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Faulder |first1=Dominic |title=Myanmar's iron-fisted ruler Min Aung Hlaing fights to stay on his throne |url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/The-Big-Story/Myanmar-s-iron-fisted-ruler-Min-Aung-Hlaing-fights-to-stay-on-his-throne |access-date=7 February 2023 |work=[[Nikkei Asia]] |date=1 February 2023 |location=[[Bangkok, Thailand]] |archive-date=7 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230207223635/https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/The-Big-Story/Myanmar-s-iron-fisted-ruler-Min-Aung-Hlaing-fights-to-stay-on-his-throne |url-status=live }}</ref> |
Born in [[Minbu]], [[Magway Region]], [[Post-independence Burma (1948–1962)|Burma]], Min Aung Hlaing studied law at the [[Rangoon Arts and Science University]] before joining the [[Tatmadaw|military]]. Rising through its ranks, he became a [[Senior general (Myanmar)|senior general]] (five-star general) by 2013.<ref name=ranksawarded>{{cite news |title=Myanmar coup: Who is army Chief Min Aung Hlaing? |url=https://www.tbsnews.net/world/myanmar-coup-who-army-chief-min-aung-hlaing-194995 |access-date=27 March 2021 |work=[[The Business Standard]] |date=1 February 2021 |archive-date=13 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813052613/https://www.tbsnews.net/world/myanmar-coup-who-army-chief-min-aung-hlaing-194995 |url-status=live }}</ref>{{better source needed|reason=The tbsnews.net site is for Dhaka-based 'The Business Standard' -- not 'Tokyo Broadcasting System Television' (I've corrected it), and THEIR article cites 'Wikipedia' as their source -- an improper [[WP:CIRCULAR|circular reference]].|date=December 2021}} During the period of civilian rule from 2011 to 2021, Min Aung Hlaing worked to ensure the military's continued role in [[Politics of Myanmar|politics]] and forestalled the [[Myanmar peace process|peace process]] with [[Internal conflict in Myanmar|ethnic armed groups]]. A United Nations fact-finding mission found he deliberately perpetrated the [[Rohingya genocide]]. He maintained an adversarial relationship with democratically-elected [[State Counsellor of Myanmar|State Counsellor]] [[Aung San Suu Kyi]], though she defended him against genocide charges.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Faulder |first1=Dominic |title=Myanmar's iron-fisted ruler Min Aung Hlaing fights to stay on his throne |url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/The-Big-Story/Myanmar-s-iron-fisted-ruler-Min-Aung-Hlaing-fights-to-stay-on-his-throne |access-date=7 February 2023 |work=[[Nikkei Asia]] |date=1 February 2023 |location=[[Bangkok, Thailand]] |archive-date=7 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230207223635/https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/The-Big-Story/Myanmar-s-iron-fisted-ruler-Min-Aung-Hlaing-fights-to-stay-on-his-throne |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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Min Aung Hlaing baselessly claimed widespread voting irregularities and electoral fraud in the [[2020 Myanmar general election]], in which Aung San Suu Kyi's [[National League for Democracy]] won a landslide re-election. He then seized power from her in the 2021 coup.<ref>{{cite news|last=|first=|date=1 February 2021|title=အရေးပေါ်ကာလ ဆောင်ရွက်ပြီးစီးပါက ရွေးကောက်ပွဲ ပြန်လည်ကျင်းပ၍ အနိုင်ရပါတီအား နိုင်ငံတော်တာဝန်ကို လွှဲအပ်ပေးနိုင်ရေး ဆောင်ရွက်မည်ဖြစ်ကြောင်း တပ်မတော်ထုတ်ပြန်|language=my|work=7 Day Daily|url=https://news-eleven.com/article/203696|url-status=live|access-date=|archive-date=6 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206024116/https://news-eleven.com/article/203696}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Myanmar military seizes power, detains elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi|url=https://news.trust.org/item/20210201014444-5u7cm|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201053645/https://news.trust.org/item/20210201014444-5u7cm|archive-date=1 February 2021|access-date=1 February 2021|website=Reuters}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Goodman |first1=Jack |title=Myanmar coup: Does the army have evidence of voter fraud? |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/55918746 |access-date=7 February 2023 |work=[[BBC News]] |date=5 February 2021}}</ref> He had been expected to run for [[ |
Min Aung Hlaing baselessly claimed widespread voting irregularities and electoral fraud in the [[2020 Myanmar general election]], in which [[Aung San Suu Kyi]]'s [[National League for Democracy]] ([[National League for Democracy|NLD]]) won a landslide re-election. He then seized power from her in the [[2021 Myanmar coup d'état|2021 coup]].<ref>{{cite news|last=|first=|date=1 February 2021|title=အရေးပေါ်ကာလ ဆောင်ရွက်ပြီးစီးပါက ရွေးကောက်ပွဲ ပြန်လည်ကျင်းပ၍ အနိုင်ရပါတီအား နိုင်ငံတော်တာဝန်ကို လွှဲအပ်ပေးနိုင်ရေး ဆောင်ရွက်မည်ဖြစ်ကြောင်း တပ်မတော်ထုတ်ပြန်|language=my|work=7 Day Daily|url=https://news-eleven.com/article/203696|url-status=live|access-date=|archive-date=6 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206024116/https://news-eleven.com/article/203696}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Myanmar military seizes power, detains elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi|url=https://news.trust.org/item/20210201014444-5u7cm|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201053645/https://news.trust.org/item/20210201014444-5u7cm|archive-date=1 February 2021|access-date=1 February 2021|website=Reuters}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Goodman |first1=Jack |title=Myanmar coup: Does the army have evidence of voter fraud? |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/55918746 |access-date=7 February 2023 |work=[[BBC News]] |date=5 February 2021}}</ref> He had been expected to run for [[President of Myanmar]] had the military proxy party, the [[Union Solidarity and Development Party]] ([[USDP (Burma)|USDP]]), won enough seats in parliament to elect him, and would have been required to retire as [[Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services|Commander-in-Chief]] due to a statutory age limit.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rasheed |first1=Zaheena |title=Why Myanmar's military seized power in a coup |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/2/1/who-is-min-aung-hlaing |access-date=7 February 2023 |work=[[Al Jazeera English|Al Jazeera]] |date=1 February 2021 |archive-date=7 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230207031845/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/2/1/who-is-min-aung-hlaing |url-status=live }}</ref> With the outbreak of [[2021 Myanmar protests|mass protests against his rule]], Min Aung Hlaing ordered a clampdown and suppression of demonstrations,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Two people in critical condition after police shoot peaceful protesters with live bullets in Naypyitaw – doctor|url=https://www.myanmar-now.org/en/news/two-people-in-critical-condition-after-police-shoot-peaceful-protesters-with-live-bullets-in|access-date=9 February 2021|website=Myanmar NOW|language=en|archive-date=5 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211205102903/https://www.myanmar-now.org/en/news/two-people-in-critical-condition-after-police-shoot-peaceful-protesters-with-live-bullets-in|url-status=live}}</ref> sparking an [[Myanmar civil war (2021–present)|ongoing civil war]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Tharoor |first1=Ishaan |title=Myanmar's junta can't win the civil war it started |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/07/21/mynanmar-junta-military-civil-war-coup/ |access-date=7 February 2023 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |date=21 July 2022 |archive-date=16 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816114829/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/07/21/mynanmar-junta-military-civil-war-coup/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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Min Aung Hlaing's forces have employed [[scorched earth]] tactics in the civil war, including airstrikes on civilians.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ratcliffe |first1=Rebecca |title='Monster from the sky': two years on from coup, Myanmar junta increases airstrikes on civilians |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jan/31/monster-from-the-sky-two-years-on-from-coup-myanmar-junta-increases-airstrikes-on-civilians |access-date=7 February 2023 |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=31 January 2023 |archive-date=6 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230206235048/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jan/31/monster-from-the-sky-two-years-on-from-coup-myanmar-junta-increases-airstrikes-on-civilians |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Sidhu |first1=Sandi |last2=Yeung |first2=Jessie |last3=TZ |first3=Salai |last4=Watson |first4=Ivan |title='Mom, please just kill me': A world looks away from Myanmar's descent into horror |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/01/31/asia/myanmar-coup-anniversary-rebel-groups-intl-hnk-dst/index.html |access-date=7 February 2023 |work=[[CNN]] |date=1 February 2023 |archive-date=7 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230207015919/https://www.cnn.com/2023/01/31/asia/myanmar-coup-anniversary-rebel-groups-intl-hnk-dst/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He has ordered the execution of prominent democracy activists, the first use of the death penalty in decades.<ref>{{cite news |title=Myanmar: Who are the rulers who have executed democracy campaigners? |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-55902070 |access-date=7 February 2023 |work=[[BBC News]] |date=25 July 2022 |archive-date=5 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105225524/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-55902070 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=World condemns Myanmar junta for 'cruel' execution of activists |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/myanmar-junta-execute-four-democracy-activists-state-media-2022-07-25/ |access-date=7 February 2023 |work=[[Reuters]] |date=25 July 2022 |archive-date=14 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230214025934/https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/myanmar-junta-execute-four-democracy-activists-state-media-2022-07-25/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In February 2024, he activated Myanmar's [[conscription]] law to draft 60,000 young people into the Tatmadaw.<ref name="conscription">{{cite news |last1=Peck |first1=Grant |title=Myanmar says newly activated conscription law will draft 5,000 people a month. Some think of fleeing |url=https://apnews.com/article/myanmar-conscription-conflict-military-025d7ce94293244ee356050cbfa031e0 |access-date=14 February 2024 |work=[[Associated Press]] |date=14 February 2024 |location=[[Bangkok, Thailand]]}}</ref> In foreign policy, he has resisted influence from [[ASEAN]] and relied on greater cooperation with [[Russia]], [[China]], and [[India]].<ref>{{cite news |title=China, Russia, India enabling Myanmar's military rule: Report |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/11/2/china-russia-india-enabling-myanmars-military-report |access-date=7 February 2023 |work=[[Al Jazeera English|Al Jazeera]] |date=2 November 2022 |archive-date=7 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230207033107/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/11/2/china-russia-india-enabling-myanmars-military-report |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Myanmar warns ASEAN that pressure would be counterproductive |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/10/28/myanmar-warns-asean-that-pressure-for-peace-is-counterproductive?traffic_source=KeepReading |access-date=7 February 2023 |work=[[Al Jazeera English|Al Jazeera]] |date=28 October 2022 |archive-date=7 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230207051251/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/10/28/myanmar-warns-asean-that-pressure-for-peace-is-counterproductive?traffic_source=KeepReading |url-status=live }}</ref> In response to his human rights abuses and corruption, Min Aung Hlaing and his government have been subjected to an extensive series of international sanctions, returning Myanmar to its former status as a [[pariah state]]. The 2022 ''[[Democracy Index]]'' rated Myanmar under Min Aung Hlaing as the second-most authoritarian regime in the world, with only [[Afghanistan]] rated less democratic.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Campbell |first1=Joshua |title=Min Aung Hlaing |url=https://time.com/collection/100-most-influential-people-2023/6269857/min-aung-hlaing/ |website=The 100 Most Influential People of 2023 |publisher=[[TIME]] |access-date=16 April 2023 |date=13 April 2023 |quote=Min Aung Hlaing has returned Myanmar to a pariah state and made it the world’s second most authoritarian regime, per the Economist Intelligence Unit’s 2022 Democracy Index. Only Taliban-ruled Afghanistan ranked worse. |archive-date=16 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416064524/https://time.com/collection/100-most-influential-people-2023/6269857/min-aung-hlaing/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
Min Aung Hlaing's [[Tatmadaw|forces]] have employed [[scorched earth]] tactics in the [[Myanmar civil war (2021–present)|civil war]], including [[Airstrike|airstrikes]] on civilians.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ratcliffe |first1=Rebecca |title='Monster from the sky': two years on from coup, Myanmar junta increases airstrikes on civilians |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jan/31/monster-from-the-sky-two-years-on-from-coup-myanmar-junta-increases-airstrikes-on-civilians |access-date=7 February 2023 |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=31 January 2023 |archive-date=6 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230206235048/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jan/31/monster-from-the-sky-two-years-on-from-coup-myanmar-junta-increases-airstrikes-on-civilians |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Sidhu |first1=Sandi |last2=Yeung |first2=Jessie |last3=TZ |first3=Salai |last4=Watson |first4=Ivan |title='Mom, please just kill me': A world looks away from Myanmar's descent into horror |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/01/31/asia/myanmar-coup-anniversary-rebel-groups-intl-hnk-dst/index.html |access-date=7 February 2023 |work=[[CNN]] |date=1 February 2023 |archive-date=7 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230207015919/https://www.cnn.com/2023/01/31/asia/myanmar-coup-anniversary-rebel-groups-intl-hnk-dst/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He has ordered the [[execution]] of prominent [[pro-democracy]] activists, the first use of the [[death penalty]] in decades.<ref>{{cite news |title=Myanmar: Who are the rulers who have executed democracy campaigners? |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-55902070 |access-date=7 February 2023 |work=[[BBC News]] |date=25 July 2022 |archive-date=5 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105225524/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-55902070 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=World condemns Myanmar junta for 'cruel' execution of activists |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/myanmar-junta-execute-four-democracy-activists-state-media-2022-07-25/ |access-date=7 February 2023 |work=[[Reuters]] |date=25 July 2022 |archive-date=14 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230214025934/https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/myanmar-junta-execute-four-democracy-activists-state-media-2022-07-25/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In February 2024, he activated Myanmar's [[conscription]] law to draft 60,000 young people into the [[Tatmadaw]].<ref name="conscription">{{cite news |last1=Peck |first1=Grant |title=Myanmar says newly activated conscription law will draft 5,000 people a month. Some think of fleeing |url=https://apnews.com/article/myanmar-conscription-conflict-military-025d7ce94293244ee356050cbfa031e0 |access-date=14 February 2024 |work=[[Associated Press]] |date=14 February 2024 |location=[[Bangkok, Thailand]]}}</ref> In foreign policy, he has resisted influence from [[Association of Southeast Asian Nations]] ([[ASEAN]]) and relied on greater [[cooperation]] with [[Russia]], [[China]], and [[India]].<ref>{{cite news |title=China, Russia, India enabling Myanmar's military rule: Report |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/11/2/china-russia-india-enabling-myanmars-military-report |access-date=7 February 2023 |work=[[Al Jazeera English|Al Jazeera]] |date=2 November 2022 |archive-date=7 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230207033107/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/11/2/china-russia-india-enabling-myanmars-military-report |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Myanmar warns ASEAN that pressure would be counterproductive |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/10/28/myanmar-warns-asean-that-pressure-for-peace-is-counterproductive?traffic_source=KeepReading |access-date=7 February 2023 |work=[[Al Jazeera English|Al Jazeera]] |date=28 October 2022 |archive-date=7 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230207051251/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/10/28/myanmar-warns-asean-that-pressure-for-peace-is-counterproductive?traffic_source=KeepReading |url-status=live }}</ref> In response to his [[human rights abuses]] and [[corruption]], Min Aung Hlaing and his [[State Administration Council|government]] have been subjected to an extensive series of [[international sanctions]], returning [[Myanmar]] to its former status as a [[pariah state]]. The 2022 ''[[Democracy Index]]'' rated [[Myanmar]] under Min Aung Hlaing as the second-most [[authoritarian regime]] in the world, with only [[Afghanistan]] rated [[Democratic backsliding|less democratic]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Campbell |first1=Joshua |title=Min Aung Hlaing |url=https://time.com/collection/100-most-influential-people-2023/6269857/min-aung-hlaing/ |website=The 100 Most Influential People of 2023 |publisher=[[TIME]] |access-date=16 April 2023 |date=13 April 2023 |quote=Min Aung Hlaing has returned Myanmar to a pariah state and made it the world’s second most authoritarian regime, per the Economist Intelligence Unit’s 2022 Democracy Index. Only Taliban-ruled Afghanistan ranked worse. |archive-date=16 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416064524/https://time.com/collection/100-most-influential-people-2023/6269857/min-aung-hlaing/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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==Early life and education== |
==Early life and education== |
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Min Aung Hlaing was born on 3 July 1956 in Minbu, [[Magway Region]], [[Post-independence Burma, 1948–1962|Burma]] to Khin Hlaing and Hla Mu, as the fourth of five children.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-08-07 |title=တပ်မတော် ကာကွယ်ရေးဦးစီးချုပ် ဗိုလ်ချုပ်မှူးကြီး မင်းအောင်လှိုင်နှင့် ရုရှားဖက်ဒရေးရှင်းနိုင်ငံ Politic မဂ္ဂဇင်းတို့၏ မေးမြန်းဖြေကြားမှုများကို Politic မဂ္ဂဇင်း၌ ထည့်သွင်းဖော်ပြ |url=https://cincds.gov.mm/node/8613?d=2 |access-date=2022-08-04 |website=cincds.gov.mm |language=my |archive-date=4 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220804231551/https://cincds.gov.mm/node/8613?d=2 |url-status=live }}</ref> His parents were teachers from [[Dawei]], in [[Tanintharyi Region]].<ref>{{cite news |title=For Myanmar's top general, a maximum-security mansion, complete with its own telecoms tower |url=https://www.myanmar-now.org/en/news/for-myanmars-top-general-a-maximum-security-mansion-complete-with-its-own-telecoms-tower |work=Myanmar NOW |date=21 November 2021 |language=en |access-date=3 January 2022 |archive-date=1 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220201035041/https://www.myanmar-now.org/en/news/for-myanmars-top-general-a-maximum-security-mansion-complete-with-its-own-telecoms-tower |url-status=live }}</ref> His family moved to [[Mandalay]] as duty when he was 5 years. His father, Khin Hlaing, was an artist.<ref name="dsinfo">{{cite web |last1=Tatmadaw Information Team |title=တပ်မတော် ကာကွယ်ရေးဦးစီးချုပ် ဗိုလ်ချုပ်မှူးကြီး မင်းအောင်လှိုင်နှင့် ရုရှားဖက်ဒရေးရှင်းနိုင်ငံ Politic မဂ္ဂဇင်းတို့၏ မေးမြန်းဖြေကြားမှုများကို Politic မဂ္ဂဇင်း၌ ထည့်သွင်းဖော်ပြ |url=http://www.dsinfo.org/node/147?d=1 |website=www.dsinfo.org |access-date=23 April 2022 |pages=7 August 2020 |archive-date=7 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220807164827/http://www.dsinfo.org/node/147?d=1 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
Min Aung Hlaing was born on 3 July 1956 in [[Minbu]], [[Magway Region]], [[Post-independence Burma, 1948–1962|Burma]] (now [[Myanmar]]), to Khin Hlaing and Hla Mu, as the fourth of five children.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-08-07 |title=တပ်မတော် ကာကွယ်ရေးဦးစီးချုပ် ဗိုလ်ချုပ်မှူးကြီး မင်းအောင်လှိုင်နှင့် ရုရှားဖက်ဒရေးရှင်းနိုင်ငံ Politic မဂ္ဂဇင်းတို့၏ မေးမြန်းဖြေကြားမှုများကို Politic မဂ္ဂဇင်း၌ ထည့်သွင်းဖော်ပြ |url=https://cincds.gov.mm/node/8613?d=2 |access-date=2022-08-04 |website=cincds.gov.mm |language=my |archive-date=4 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220804231551/https://cincds.gov.mm/node/8613?d=2 |url-status=live }}</ref> His parents were teachers from [[Dawei]], in [[Tanintharyi Region]].<ref>{{cite news |title=For Myanmar's top general, a maximum-security mansion, complete with its own telecoms tower |url=https://www.myanmar-now.org/en/news/for-myanmars-top-general-a-maximum-security-mansion-complete-with-its-own-telecoms-tower |work=Myanmar NOW |date=21 November 2021 |language=en |access-date=3 January 2022 |archive-date=1 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220201035041/https://www.myanmar-now.org/en/news/for-myanmars-top-general-a-maximum-security-mansion-complete-with-its-own-telecoms-tower |url-status=live }}</ref> His family moved to [[Mandalay]] as duty when he was 5 years old. His father, Khin Hlaing, was an [[artist]].<ref name="dsinfo">{{cite web |last1=Tatmadaw Information Team |title=တပ်မတော် ကာကွယ်ရေးဦးစီးချုပ် ဗိုလ်ချုပ်မှူးကြီး မင်းအောင်လှိုင်နှင့် ရုရှားဖက်ဒရေးရှင်းနိုင်ငံ Politic မဂ္ဂဇင်းတို့၏ မေးမြန်းဖြေကြားမှုများကို Politic မဂ္ဂဇင်း၌ ထည့်သွင်းဖော်ပြ |url=http://www.dsinfo.org/node/147?d=1 |website=www.dsinfo.org |access-date=23 April 2022 |pages=7 August 2020 |archive-date=7 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220807164827/http://www.dsinfo.org/node/147?d=1 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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Min Aung Hlaing passed his [[University Entrance Examination|matriculation exam]] in 1972 at [[BEHS 1 Latha]] of Rangoon (now Yangon).<ref name="Asean">{{Cite news |title=Vice-Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Tatmadaw Commander-in-Chief |publisher=Alternative Asean Network |url=http://www.altsean.org/Research/Regime%20Watch/Executive/CIC.php |url-status=dead |access-date=27 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180112154939/http://www.altsean.org/Research/Regime%20Watch/Executive/CIC.php |archive-date=12 January 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2 April 2011 |title=တပ်မတော်ကာကွယ်ရေးဦးစီးချုပ်သစ်နှင့် အမေရိကန် မြန်မာ တပ်မတော်နှစ်ရပ် ဆက်ဆံရေး – အပိုင်း (၁) |language=my |work=VOA News |url=http://burmese.voanews.com/content/article-04-02-11-soldiers-talk054-119117354/1245642.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305092756/http://burmese.voanews.com/content/article-04-02-11-soldiers-talk054-119117354/1245642.html |archive-date=5 March 2016 |ref=သူဟာ “အထက (၁) လသာ” က နေပြီး ၁၉၇၂ ခုနှစ်မှာ ဆယ်တန်းအောင်တယ်။}}</ref> He attended and studied [[law]] at the [[University of Yangon|Rangoon Arts and Science University]] from 1973 to 1974. On his third attempt, he was admitted to the [[Defence Services Academy]] in 1974 as part of the 19th Intake, and he graduated in 1977.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-08-04 |title=Min Aung Hlaing and His Generals: Some Biographical Notes |url=https://fulcrum.sg/min-aung-hlaing-and-his-generals-some-biographical-notes/ |access-date=2022-09-22 |website=FULCRUM |language=en-US |archive-date=22 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922043703/https://fulcrum.sg/min-aung-hlaing-and-his-generals-some-biographical-notes/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Barron |first=Laignee |date=3 November 2017 |title=Meet Min Aung Hlaing, the Chief of Myanmar's Notorious Military |magazine=Time |url=http://time.com/5004822/myanmar-rohingya-min-aung-hlaing/ |url-status=live |access-date=18 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180929210556/http://time.com/5004822/myanmar-rohingya-min-aung-hlaing/ |archive-date=29 September 2018}}</ref> According to classmates, Min Aung Hlaing was taciturn, and an unremarkable cadet.<ref name=":4">{{Cite news |last=Webb |first=Timothy Mclaughlin, Simon |date=24 February 2016 |title=Amid transition, Myanmar's Senior General emerges from the shadows |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-myanmar-politics-army-idUSKCN0VX2ZO |access-date=3 February 2021 |archive-date=1 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201203353/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-myanmar-politics-army-idUSKCN0VX2ZO |url-status=live }}</ref> He was reportedly shunned by classmates because of his reserved personality.<ref name="Asean" /> |
Min Aung Hlaing passed his [[University Entrance Examination|matriculation exam]] in 1972 at [[Basic Education High School No. 1 Latha|Basic Education High School No.1 Latha]] ([[BEHS 1 Latha]]) of [[Rangoon]] (now [[Yangon]]).<ref name="Asean">{{Cite news |title=Vice-Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Tatmadaw Commander-in-Chief |publisher=Alternative Asean Network |url=http://www.altsean.org/Research/Regime%20Watch/Executive/CIC.php |url-status=dead |access-date=27 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180112154939/http://www.altsean.org/Research/Regime%20Watch/Executive/CIC.php |archive-date=12 January 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2 April 2011 |title=တပ်မတော်ကာကွယ်ရေးဦးစီးချုပ်သစ်နှင့် အမေရိကန် မြန်မာ တပ်မတော်နှစ်ရပ် ဆက်ဆံရေး – အပိုင်း (၁) |language=my |work=VOA News |url=http://burmese.voanews.com/content/article-04-02-11-soldiers-talk054-119117354/1245642.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305092756/http://burmese.voanews.com/content/article-04-02-11-soldiers-talk054-119117354/1245642.html |archive-date=5 March 2016 |ref=သူဟာ “အထက (၁) လသာ” က နေပြီး ၁၉၇၂ ခုနှစ်မှာ ဆယ်တန်းအောင်တယ်။}}</ref> He attended and studied [[law]] at the [[University of Yangon|Rangoon Arts and Science University]] from 1973 to 1974. On his third attempt, he was admitted to the [[Defence Services Academy]] in 1974 as part of the 19th Intake, and he graduated in 1977.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-08-04 |title=Min Aung Hlaing and His Generals: Some Biographical Notes |url=https://fulcrum.sg/min-aung-hlaing-and-his-generals-some-biographical-notes/ |access-date=2022-09-22 |website=FULCRUM |language=en-US |archive-date=22 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922043703/https://fulcrum.sg/min-aung-hlaing-and-his-generals-some-biographical-notes/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Barron |first=Laignee |date=3 November 2017 |title=Meet Min Aung Hlaing, the Chief of Myanmar's Notorious Military |magazine=Time |url=http://time.com/5004822/myanmar-rohingya-min-aung-hlaing/ |url-status=live |access-date=18 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180929210556/http://time.com/5004822/myanmar-rohingya-min-aung-hlaing/ |archive-date=29 September 2018}}</ref> According to classmates, Min Aung Hlaing was taciturn, and an unremarkable cadet.<ref name=":4">{{Cite news |last=Webb |first=Timothy Mclaughlin, Simon |date=24 February 2016 |title=Amid transition, Myanmar's Senior General emerges from the shadows |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-myanmar-politics-army-idUSKCN0VX2ZO |access-date=3 February 2021 |archive-date=1 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201203353/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-myanmar-politics-army-idUSKCN0VX2ZO |url-status=live }}</ref> He was reportedly shunned by classmates because of his reserved personality.<ref name="Asean" /> |
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==Career== |
==Career== |
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Following graduation, Min Aung Hlaing went on to serve in different command positions, rising slowly through the ranks.<ref name=":4" /> Early in his career, military colleagues gave him a nickname referring to cat feces, "something deposited quietly but leaving a powerful stink."<ref name=":5">{{Cite news |last=Beech |first=Hannah |date=2 February 2021 |title=Myanmar's Army Is Back in Charge. It Never Truly Left. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/02/world/asia/myanmar-military-coup.html |access-date=3 February 2021 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=2 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202225954/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/02/world/asia/myanmar-military-coup.html |url-status=live }}</ref> As he rose through the ranks, Min Aung Hlaing earned a reputation as a hardliner.<ref name="Asean" /> His military work earned him the favour of Senior General [[Than Shwe]].<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |title=Who is Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing? 5 things to know |url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Myanmar-Coup/Who-is-Myanmar-junta-chief-Min-Aung-Hlaing-5-things-to-know |access-date=7 February 2021 |website=Nikkei Asia |language=en-GB |archive-date=6 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206032603/https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Myanmar-Coup/Who-is-Myanmar-junta-chief-Min-Aung-Hlaing-5-things-to-know |url-status=live }}</ref> Min Aung Hlaing is characterized as having a "big man" management style not conducive to collaboration or listening.<ref name=":10" /> |
Following graduation, Min Aung Hlaing went on to serve in different command positions, rising slowly through the ranks.<ref name=":4" /> Early in his career, military colleagues gave him a nickname referring to cat feces, "something deposited quietly but leaving a powerful stink."<ref name=":5">{{Cite news |last=Beech |first=Hannah |date=2 February 2021 |title=Myanmar's Army Is Back in Charge. It Never Truly Left. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/02/world/asia/myanmar-military-coup.html |access-date=3 February 2021 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=2 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202225954/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/02/world/asia/myanmar-military-coup.html |url-status=live }}</ref> As he rose through the ranks, Min Aung Hlaing earned a reputation as a hardliner.<ref name="Asean" /> His military work earned him the favour of Senior General [[Than Shwe]].<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |title=Who is Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing? 5 things to know |url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Myanmar-Coup/Who-is-Myanmar-junta-chief-Min-Aung-Hlaing-5-things-to-know |access-date=7 February 2021 |website=Nikkei Asia |language=en-GB |archive-date=6 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206032603/https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Myanmar-Coup/Who-is-Myanmar-junta-chief-Min-Aung-Hlaing-5-things-to-know |url-status=live }}</ref> Min Aung Hlaing is characterized as having a "big man" management style not conducive to collaboration or listening.<ref name=":10" /> |
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In 2002, he was promoted to commander of the {{ill|Triangle Regional Command|my|တြိဂံဒေသတိုင်းစစ်ဌာနချုပ်}} in |
In 2002, he was promoted to commander of the {{ill|Triangle Regional Military Command|my|တြိဂံဒေသတိုင်းစစ်ဌာနချုပ်}} in eastern [[Shan State]] and was a central figure in negotiations with two rebel groups, the [[United Wa State Army]] ([[United Wa State Army|UWSA]]) and the [[National Democratic Alliance Army]] ([[National Democratic Alliance Army|NDAA]]).<ref name="Asean" /> Min Aung Hlaing was reportedly close with former Thai prime minister and a General [[Prem Tinsulanonda]], considering Prem a father figure.<ref>{{Cite news |last=<!--Check author names--> |first= |title=Myanmar dignitaries honour Gen Prem |work=Bangkok Post |url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/world/1687340/myanmar-dignitaries-honour-gen-prem |access-date=1 February 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=31 May 2019 |title=Myanmar supreme general pays last respects to Prem |url=https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30370332 |url-status=live |access-date=1 February 2021 |website=The Nation Thailand |language=en-US |archive-date=1 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201190119/https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30370332 }}</ref> |
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Min Aung Hlaing supported the military crackdown of the [[Saffron Revolution]] in 2008.<ref name="Asean" /> He rose to prominence in 2009 after leading an offensive against the insurgent [[Myanmar Nationalities Democratic Alliance Army]] in [[Kokang]].<ref name="David">David Paquette, [http://www.irrawaddy.org/archives/1890 "Min Aung Hlaing Appointed Vice-Senior General"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150724081319/http://www.irrawaddy.org/archives/1890 |date=24 July 2015 }}, ''The Irrawaddy'', 3 April 2012.</ref> In June 2010, Min Aung Hlaing replaced General [[Shwe Mann]] as Joint Chief of Staff of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.<ref name="Asean" /> |
Min Aung Hlaing supported the military crackdown of the [[Saffron Revolution]] in 2008.<ref name="Asean" /> He rose to prominence in 2009 after leading an offensive against the insurgent [[Myanmar Nationalities Democratic Alliance Army]] ([[MNDAA]]) in [[Kokang]].<ref name="David">David Paquette, [http://www.irrawaddy.org/archives/1890 "Min Aung Hlaing Appointed Vice-Senior General"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150724081319/http://www.irrawaddy.org/archives/1890 |date=24 July 2015 }}, ''The Irrawaddy'', 3 April 2012.</ref> In June 2010, Min Aung Hlaing replaced General [[Shwe Mann]] as Joint Chief of Staff of the [[Tatmadaw|Army]], [[Myanmar Navy|Navy]], and [[Myanmar Air Force|Air Force]].<ref name="Asean" /> |
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== As a Junior Officer == |
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Min Aung Hlaing graduated from the [[Defence Services Academy]] (DSA) in 1977 with the 19th intake. After graduation, he was assigned to the No. (313) [[Light infantry|Light Infantry Battalion]] ([[Hmawbi District|Hmawbi]]), then known as the No. (1) Shan Rifle Battalion, under the command of the No. (77) Light Infantry Division. Former [[President of Myanmar]] [[Thein Sein]] was also assigned to this battalion, and former [[Office of the Chief of Military Security Affairs|Director of Defence Service Intelligence]] General [[Khin Nyunt]] served as a company commander in the same unit. In an interview with [[Popular News Journal]] ahead of the [[2020 Myanmar general election|November 2020 election]], Min Aung Hlaing stated, "I was raised in the Shan 1." |
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In 1979, during an offensive known as Operation Min Yan Aung (Victorious King) against the [[Communist Party of Burma]] (CPB) in what is now [[Matman Township]] in [[Wa State]], east of the [[Thanlwin River]], Min Aung Hlaing served as an [[Intelligence officer|Intelligence Officer]] (IO) ranked as a [[Lieutenant]] at 23 years old. |
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In 1989, as a [[Captain]], Min Aung Hlaing took part in the Battle of Wan Kha Thit, better known as the [[Battle of Kawmoora]]. This battle was a clash between army troops controlled by then-leader [[Than Shwe]] and the [[Karen National Union]] (KNU). Due to the base's difficult position to attack, the [[Myanmar military]] repeatedly assaulted it throughout 1989 but failed to seize it, halting operations in 1990 after suffering hundreds of casualties. |
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To ward off harm from enemy shells and bullets, Min Aung Hlaing carried a [[Buddha statue]] in his bag of topographic maps worn across his chest. Despite making speeches for officer cadets to be brave soldiers like him, he did not lead any missions against [[Karen National Union|KNU]] troops. |
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Min Aung Hlaing participated in two major battles as a [[junior officer]]. Near the front line, he was known to carry a Buddha figurine.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Behind the Boasts, Myanmar’s Junta Boss Is a Superstitious Mediocrity |url=https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/behind-the-boasts-myanmars-junta-boss-is-a-superstitious-mediocrity.html |work=Irrawaddy news}}</ref> |
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== As a Battalion Commander == |
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Min Aung Hlaing served as a Battalion Officer Commanding, ranked as a [[Major (rank)|Major]], at the No. (369) Light Infantry Battalion ([[Homalin]]) under the Regional Operations Command ([[Kalay]]) of the Northwestern Regional Military Command. During his tenure, he imprisoned the pregnant wife of a sergeant who was deemed to have deserted the battalion. At that time, the [[General officer commanding|General Officer Commanding]] of the Regional Operations Command (Kalay) was [[Brigadier general|Brigadier General]] Thura [[Aung Ko (politician)|Aung Ko]], and the [[Brigade#Myanmar|Tactical Operation Command]] [[Officer commanding|Officer Commanding]] was [[Colonel]] Kyaw Thu. |
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During an inspection, Colonel Kyaw Thu discovered the woman locked in the battalion prison and questioned [[Major general|Major]] Min Aung Hlaing about the situation. Min Aung Hlaing explained that she was imprisoned because her husband had deserted. Colonel Kyaw Thu responded, "Do not do such a thing. Release her now."<ref>{{Cite web |title=ဗိုလ်ချုပ်မှူးကြီး မင်းအောင်လှိုင်၏ ဖုံးဝှက်ထားသော ရုပ်ပုံလွှာ |url=https://burma.irrawaddy.com/article/2022/03/26/250886.html |language=Burmese}}</ref> The woman was subsequently released. |
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The actions taken by Min Aung Hlaing during his time as a [[Battalion Commander]] have been noted in various accounts.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ဗိုလ်ချုပ်မှူးကြီး မင်းအောင်လှိုင်၏ ဖုံးဝှက်ထားသော ရုပ်ပုံလွှာ |url=https://burma.irrawaddy.com/article/2022/03/26/250886.html |quote=ထိုကဲ့သို့ စိတ်နေစိတ်ထားရှိသူသည် အာဏာသိမ်းပြီးနောက်ပိုင်း အာဏာသိမ်းမှုကို ဆန့်ကျင်သော ပြည်သူများအား ဖမ်းဆီးရာတွင် ယောက်ျားဖြစ်သူကို မတွေ့သည့်အခါ အမျိုးသမီးအား ဖမ်းဆီးရန်၊ ဆန္ဒပြသည့် သားသမီးများအား ဖမ်းဆီးမရသည့်အခါ မိဘဖြစ်သူများအား ဖမ်းဆီးချုပ်နှောင်ရန် အမိန့်ပေးလာခဲ့သည်။ ထို့ကဲ့သို့သော ဖြစ်ရပ်မျိုး နွေးဦးတော်လှန်ရေးတွင် များစွာဖြစ်ပေါ်ခဲ့သည်။}}</ref> |
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==Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces== |
==Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces== |
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=== 2011–2015: Union Solidarity and Development Party rule === |
=== 2011–2015: Union Solidarity and Development Party rule === |
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[[File:The Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services, Myanmar, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing calling on the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, in New Delhi on July 29, 2015.jpg|thumb|Min Aung Hlaing meeting with Indian Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] in New Delhi on |
[[File:The Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services, Myanmar, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing calling on the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, in New Delhi on July 29, 2015.jpg|thumb|Min Aung Hlaing meeting with Indian Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] in [[New Delhi]] on July 29, 2015]] |
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In the lead-up to 2011, the military began embarking on a [[2011–2015 Myanmar political reforms|series of political reforms]] to transition Myanmar to a quasi-democracy. The ruling junta, the [[State Peace and Development Council]], engineered its formal departure from power, after holding the [[2010 Myanmar general election]], which was won by the [[Union Solidarity and Development Party]] (USDP), the military's proxy party. On 30 March 2011, outgoing head of state, Senior General [[Than Shwe]], then the incumbent Commander-in-Chief of Myanmar's Armed Forces, appointed Min Aung Hlaing as his successor, ahead of more senior officers.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |date=12 January 2021 |title=Could Min Aung Hlaing's retirement break the political deadlock? |url=https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/could-min-aung-hlaings-retirement-break-the-political-deadlock/ |access-date=3 February 2021 |website=Frontier Myanmar |language=en-US |archive-date=30 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210130143558/https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/could-min-aung-hlaings-retirement-break-the-political-deadlock/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>[http://archive-2.mizzima.com/news/inside-burma/5090-new-commander-in-chief-of-defence-services-general-min-aung-hlaing.html "New commander in chief of defence services: General Min Aung Hlaing"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304053530/http://archive-2.mizzima.com/news/inside-burma/5090-new-commander-in-chief-of-defence-services-general-min-aung-hlaing.html |date=4 March 2016 }}, Mizzima, 30 March 2011.</ref> Min Aung Hlaing's appointment coincided with USDP's rise to power, during which he oversaw a series of military reforms, and supported efforts by the USDP-led government to strike peace deals with ethnic armed groups.<ref name=":6" /> |
In the lead-up to 2011, the military began embarking on a [[2011–2015 Myanmar political reforms|series of political reforms]] to transition Myanmar to a quasi-democracy. The ruling junta, the [[State Peace and Development Council]] ([[State Peace and Development Council|SPDP]]), engineered its formal departure from power, after holding the [[2010 Myanmar general election]], which was won by the [[Union Solidarity and Development Party]] ([[USDP (Burma)|USDP]]), the military's proxy party. On 30 March 2011, outgoing head of state, Senior General [[Than Shwe]], then the incumbent [[Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services|Commander-in-Chief of Myanmar's Armed Forces]], appointed Min Aung Hlaing as his successor, ahead of more senior officers.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |date=12 January 2021 |title=Could Min Aung Hlaing's retirement break the political deadlock? |url=https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/could-min-aung-hlaings-retirement-break-the-political-deadlock/ |access-date=3 February 2021 |website=Frontier Myanmar |language=en-US |archive-date=30 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210130143558/https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/could-min-aung-hlaings-retirement-break-the-political-deadlock/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>[http://archive-2.mizzima.com/news/inside-burma/5090-new-commander-in-chief-of-defence-services-general-min-aung-hlaing.html "New commander in chief of defence services: General Min Aung Hlaing"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304053530/http://archive-2.mizzima.com/news/inside-burma/5090-new-commander-in-chief-of-defence-services-general-min-aung-hlaing.html |date=4 March 2016 }}, Mizzima, 30 March 2011.</ref> Min Aung Hlaing's appointment coincided with [[USDP (Burma)|USDP]]'s rise to power, during which he oversaw a series of military reforms, and supported efforts by the USDP-led government to strike [[Myanmar peace process|peace deals]] with [[List of ethnic armed organisations in Myanmar|ethnic armed groups]].<ref name=":6" /> |
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In November 2011, according to ''[[The Irrawaddy|The Irrawaddy News]]'', it was "widely believed" that following Min Aung Hlaing's meetings with [[People's Liberation Army|Chinese military]] officials that month and his leadership in creating a bilateral agreement on defense cooperation with the Chinese, he had also held talks with Chinese vice-president [[Xi Jinping]] regarding cooperation from [[China]] with respect to the [[Kachin Conflict]].<ref name=David/> |
In November 2011, according to ''[[The Irrawaddy|The Irrawaddy News]]'', it was "widely believed" that following Min Aung Hlaing's meetings with [[People's Liberation Army|Chinese military]] officials that month and his leadership in creating a bilateral agreement on defense cooperation with the Chinese, he had also held talks with Chinese vice-president [[Xi Jinping]] regarding cooperation from [[China]] with respect to the [[Kachin Conflict]].<ref name=David/> |
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On 27 March 2012, during a speech in [[Naypyidaw]], Min Aung Hlaing defended the military's continued role in national politics.<ref name=David/><ref>[[Aye Aye Win]], [https://news.yahoo.com/myanmar-general-defends-militarys-political-role-061046525.html "Myanmar general defends military's political role"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190822074320/https://news.yahoo.com/myanmar-general-defends-militarys-political-role-061046525.html |date=22 August 2019 }}, Associated Press, 27 March 2012.</ref> On 3 April 2012, the [[Government of Myanmar]] announced that Min Aung Hlaing had been promoted to vice-senior general, the second highest rank in Myanmar's Armed Forces.<ref name="David" /> He was promoted to senior general in March 2013. |
On 27 March 2012, during a speech in [[Naypyidaw]], Min Aung Hlaing defended the [[Tatmadaw|military]]'s continued role in [[Politics of Myanmar|national politics]].<ref name=David/><ref>[[Aye Aye Win]], [https://news.yahoo.com/myanmar-general-defends-militarys-political-role-061046525.html "Myanmar general defends military's political role"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190822074320/https://news.yahoo.com/myanmar-general-defends-militarys-political-role-061046525.html |date=22 August 2019 }}, Associated Press, 27 March 2012.</ref> On 3 April 2012, the [[Government of Myanmar]] announced that Min Aung Hlaing had been promoted to [[vice-senior general]] (four-star general), the [[Military ranks of Myanmar|second highest rank]] in [[Myanmar Armed Forces|Myanmar's Armed Forces]].<ref name="David" /> He was promoted to the rank of [[Senior general (Myanmar)|senior general]] (five-star general), the [[Senior general (Myanmar)|highest rank]] in [[Myanmar Armed Forces|Myanmar's Armed Forces]] in March 2013. |
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In 2014, as Min Aung Hlaing approached the age of 60, which is the mandatory age of retirement for military officers, the Armed Forces' Department of Defence Council issued a directive, enabling Min Aung Hlaing to extend his mandatory retirement age to 65, in 2021.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |date=19 February 2020 |title=The game of Myanmar's Senior General |url=https://www.mmtimes.com/news/game-myanmars-senior-general.html |access-date=4 February 2021 |website=The Myanmar Times |archive-date=20 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200220153036/https://www.mmtimes.com/news/game-myanmars-senior-general.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> |
In 2014, as Min Aung Hlaing approached the age of 60, which is the mandatory age of [[retirement]] for military officers, the Armed Forces' Department of Defence Council issued a directive, enabling Min Aung Hlaing to extend his [[mandatory retirement]] age to 65, in 2021.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |date=19 February 2020 |title=The game of Myanmar's Senior General |url=https://www.mmtimes.com/news/game-myanmars-senior-general.html |access-date=4 February 2021 |website=The Myanmar Times |archive-date=20 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200220153036/https://www.mmtimes.com/news/game-myanmars-senior-general.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> |
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In August 2015, the USDP fractured, and President Thein Sein purged the faction led by Shwe Mann, a former general and Speaker of the [[House of Representatives (Myanmar)|Pyithu Hluttaw]].<ref name=":6" /> Min Aung Hlaing oversaw a direct military intervention to oust Shwe Mann from power, indicating the military's desire to continue furthering its agenda through USDP.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |date=8 September 2015 |title=Shwe Mann's Ouster, Military Involvement, and Implications for Myanmar's Elections • Stimson Center |url=https://www.stimson.org/2015/shwe-manns-ouster-military-involvement-and-implications-myanmars-elections/ |access-date=4 February 2021 |website=Stimson Center |language=en-US |archive-date=25 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200425203016/https://www.stimson.org/2015/shwe-manns-ouster-military-involvement-and-implications-myanmars-elections/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Shwe Mann had advocated for legislation and constitutional amendments that would have decreased the military's influence, against the interests of the military and USDP.<ref name=":8" /> |
In August 2015, the [[USDP (Burma)|USDP]] fractured, and President [[Thein Sein]] purged the faction led by [[Shwe Mann]], a former general and Speaker of the [[House of Representatives (Myanmar)|Pyithu Hluttaw]].<ref name=":6" /> Min Aung Hlaing oversaw a direct military intervention to oust Shwe Mann from power, indicating the military's desire to continue furthering its agenda through USDP.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |date=8 September 2015 |title=Shwe Mann's Ouster, Military Involvement, and Implications for Myanmar's Elections • Stimson Center |url=https://www.stimson.org/2015/shwe-manns-ouster-military-involvement-and-implications-myanmars-elections/ |access-date=4 February 2021 |website=Stimson Center |language=en-US |archive-date=25 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200425203016/https://www.stimson.org/2015/shwe-manns-ouster-military-involvement-and-implications-myanmars-elections/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Shwe Mann had advocated for legislation and constitutional amendments that would have decreased the military's influence, against the interests of the military and USDP.<ref name=":8" /> |
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=== 2016–2020: Transition to National League for Democracy rule === |
=== 2016–2020: Transition to National League for Democracy rule === |
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[[File:President Duterte Meets Myanmar President U Htin Kiaw, Minister For Foreign Affairs Aung San Suu Kyi, Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing and Myanmar-based Filipino Companies 09.jpg|thumb|Min Aung Hlaing meeting with Philippine President [[Rodrigo Duterte]] in [[Nay Pyi Taw]], Myanmar on |
[[File:President Duterte Meets Myanmar President U Htin Kiaw, Minister For Foreign Affairs Aung San Suu Kyi, Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing and Myanmar-based Filipino Companies 09.jpg|thumb|Min Aung Hlaing meeting with Philippine President [[Rodrigo Duterte]] in [[Nay Pyi Taw]], [[Myanmar]] on March 20, 2017]] |
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The [[2015 Myanmar general election]] saw the [[National League for Democracy]] (NLD), led by Aung San Suu Kyi, win in a landslide. With the transition from an USDP to NLD-led government, Min Aung Hlaing shifted his priorities to recovering state power for the military establishment.<ref name=":6" /> His intransigence and refusal to cooperate with the civilian-led government undermined progress toward [[Myanmar peace process|Myanmar's peace process]].<ref name=":6" /> As the NLD assumed power, Min Aung Hlaing began intensifying an ongoing [[Rohingya genocide|military crackdown]] on the [[Rohingya people|Rohingya]], beginning in October 2016.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1 February 2021 |title=Myanmar coup: Min Aung Hlaing, the general who seized power |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-55892489 |access-date=4 February 2021 |archive-date=1 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201203517/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-55892489 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Katie Hunt |title=Rohingya crisis: How we got here |url=https://www.cnn.com/2017/11/12/asia/rohingya-crisis-timeline/index.html |access-date=3 February 2021 |website=CNN |date=13 November 2017 |archive-date=13 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113042510/https://www.cnn.com/2017/11/12/asia/rohingya-crisis-timeline/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> At the [[Union Peace Conference - 21st Century Panglong]] in August 2020, he sharply warned the NLD against scapegoating the military for its role in the ongoing ethnic conflicts.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |date=24 August 2020 |title=What next for Senior General Min Aung Hlaing? |url=https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/what-next-for-senior-general-min-aung-hlaing/ |access-date=4 February 2021 |website=Frontier Myanmar |language=en-US |archive-date=21 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921125550/https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/what-next-for-senior-general-min-aung-hlaing/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
The [[2015 Myanmar general election]] saw the [[National League for Democracy]] ([[National League for Democracy|NLD]]), led by [[Aung San Suu Kyi]], win in a landslide. With the transition from an USDP to NLD-led government, Min Aung Hlaing shifted his priorities to recovering state power for the military establishment.<ref name=":6" /> His intransigence and refusal to cooperate with the civilian-led government undermined progress toward [[Myanmar peace process|Myanmar's peace process]].<ref name=":6" /> As the [[National League for Democracy|NLD]] assumed power, Min Aung Hlaing began intensifying an ongoing [[Rohingya genocide|military crackdown]] on the [[Rohingya people|Rohingya]], beginning in October 2016.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1 February 2021 |title=Myanmar coup: Min Aung Hlaing, the general who seized power |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-55892489 |access-date=4 February 2021 |archive-date=1 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201203517/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-55892489 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Katie Hunt |title=Rohingya crisis: How we got here |url=https://www.cnn.com/2017/11/12/asia/rohingya-crisis-timeline/index.html |access-date=3 February 2021 |website=CNN |date=13 November 2017 |archive-date=13 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113042510/https://www.cnn.com/2017/11/12/asia/rohingya-crisis-timeline/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> At the [[Union Peace Conference - 21st Century Panglong]] in August 2020, he sharply warned the [[National League for Democracy|NLD]] against [[scapegoating]] the [[Tatmadaw|military]] for its role in the [[Myanmar conflict|ongoing ethnic conflicts]].<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |date=24 August 2020 |title=What next for Senior General Min Aung Hlaing? |url=https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/what-next-for-senior-general-min-aung-hlaing/ |access-date=4 February 2021 |website=Frontier Myanmar |language=en-US |archive-date=21 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921125550/https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/what-next-for-senior-general-min-aung-hlaing/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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[[File:Sergey Shoigu and Min Aung Hlaing (20-01-2018).jpg|thumb|Min Aung Hlaing meeting with Russian defense minister [[Sergei Shoigu]]]] |
[[File:Sergey Shoigu and Min Aung Hlaing (20-01-2018).jpg|thumb|Min Aung Hlaing meeting with Russian defense minister [[Sergei Shoigu]] on January 20, 2018]] |
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Min Aung Hlaing also began to signal his interest in civilian politics.<ref name=":6" /> He began assuming a more statesman-like persona, and became increasingly assertive about the military's role.<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":5" /> In the lead-up to the [[2020 Myanmar general election]], he worked with the USDP to position himself as the next President.<ref name=":9" /> Throughout 2019, Min Aung Hlaing made several public appearances dubbed a "charm offensive," at several religious sites and charity functions,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Military Chief Launches Charm Offensive Against Muslims, Hindus and Christians |url=https://www.myanmar-now.org/en/news/military-chief-launches-charm-offensive-against-muslims-hindus-and-christians |access-date=4 February 2021 |website=Myanmar NOW |language=en |archive-date=6 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191006130738/https://www.myanmar-now.org/en/news/military-chief-launches-charm-offensive-against-muslims-hindus-and-christians |url-status=live }}</ref> raising speculation about his political ambitions.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 July 2020 |title=Tatmadaw chief sets sights on politics |url=https://www.mmtimes.com/news/tatmadaw-chief-sets-sights-politics.html |access-date=4 February 2021 |website=The Myanmar Times |archive-date=1 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200701090953/https://www.mmtimes.com/news/tatmadaw-chief-sets-sights-politics.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=":7" /> To cultivate his public persona, he began two Facebook pages that commanded a combined following of 4.1 million followers.<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 August 2018 |title=Facebook bans Min Aung Hlaing, army top brass after UN genocide allegations |url=https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/facebook-bans-min-aung-hlaing-army-top-brass-after-un-genocide-allegations/ |access-date=4 February 2021 |website=Frontier Myanmar |language=en-US |archive-date=29 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180829120007/https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/facebook-bans-min-aung-hlaing-army-top-brass-after-un-genocide-allegations/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=1 February 2021 |title=Newsmaker: Ambitious but Cornered, Myanmar Army Chief Took Full Power |agency=Reuters |url=https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2021-02-01/newsmaker-ambitious-but-cornered-myanmar-army-chief-took-full-power |url-status=live |access-date=4 February 2021 |archive-date=21 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210221164730/https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2021-02-01/newsmaker-ambitious-but-cornered-myanmar-army-chief-took-full-power }}</ref> In January 2020, Min Aung Hlaing met with [[Paramount leader|Chinese leader]] [[Xi Jinping]] in Nay Pyi Taw. Xi promoted the practical cooperation under the framework of the [[Belt and Road Initiative|One Belt One Road]] to achieve results at an early date and benefit Myanmar's people.<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 January 2020 |title=Xi meets with Myanmar commander-in-chief of defense services |url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-01/18/c_138716154.htm |access-date=18 January 2020 |website=Xinhua News Agency |language=en |archive-date=18 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200118195216/http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-01/18/c_138716154.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> In May 2020, Min Aung Hlaing reshuffled senior military ranks, promoting a new generation of officers loyal to |
Min Aung Hlaing also began to signal his interest in civilian politics.<ref name=":6" /> He began assuming a more statesman-like persona, and became increasingly assertive about the military's role.<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":5" /> In the lead-up to the [[2020 Myanmar general election]], he worked with the [[USDP (Burma)|USDP]] to position himself as the next [[President of Myanmar|President]].<ref name=":9" /> Throughout 2019, Min Aung Hlaing made several [[Public appearance|public appearances]] dubbed a "charm offensive," at several religious sites and charity functions,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Military Chief Launches Charm Offensive Against Muslims, Hindus and Christians |url=https://www.myanmar-now.org/en/news/military-chief-launches-charm-offensive-against-muslims-hindus-and-christians |access-date=4 February 2021 |website=Myanmar NOW |language=en |archive-date=6 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191006130738/https://www.myanmar-now.org/en/news/military-chief-launches-charm-offensive-against-muslims-hindus-and-christians |url-status=live }}</ref> raising speculation about his political ambitions.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 July 2020 |title=Tatmadaw chief sets sights on politics |url=https://www.mmtimes.com/news/tatmadaw-chief-sets-sights-politics.html |access-date=4 February 2021 |website=The Myanmar Times |archive-date=1 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200701090953/https://www.mmtimes.com/news/tatmadaw-chief-sets-sights-politics.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=":7" /> To cultivate his public persona, he began two [[Facebook page|Facebook pages]] that commanded a combined following of 4.1 million followers.<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 August 2018 |title=Facebook bans Min Aung Hlaing, army top brass after UN genocide allegations |url=https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/facebook-bans-min-aung-hlaing-army-top-brass-after-un-genocide-allegations/ |access-date=4 February 2021 |website=Frontier Myanmar |language=en-US |archive-date=29 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180829120007/https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/facebook-bans-min-aung-hlaing-army-top-brass-after-un-genocide-allegations/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=1 February 2021 |title=Newsmaker: Ambitious but Cornered, Myanmar Army Chief Took Full Power |agency=Reuters |url=https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2021-02-01/newsmaker-ambitious-but-cornered-myanmar-army-chief-took-full-power |url-status=live |access-date=4 February 2021 |archive-date=21 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210221164730/https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2021-02-01/newsmaker-ambitious-but-cornered-myanmar-army-chief-took-full-power }}</ref> In January 2020, Min Aung Hlaing met with [[Paramount leader|Chinese leader]] [[Xi Jinping]] in [[Nay Pyi Taw]]. [[Xi Jinping]] promoted the practical cooperation under the framework of the [[Belt and Road Initiative|One Belt One Road]] to achieve results at an early date and benefit [[Burmese people|Myanmar's people]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 January 2020 |title=Xi meets with Myanmar commander-in-chief of defense services |url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-01/18/c_138716154.htm |access-date=18 January 2020 |website=Xinhua News Agency |language=en |archive-date=18 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200118195216/http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-01/18/c_138716154.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> In May 2020, Min Aung Hlaing reshuffled senior military ranks, promoting a new generation of officers loyal to him, including [[Kyaw Swar Lin]], who became the [[Tatmadaw|military]]'s youngest [[Lieutenant general|lieutenant-general]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 May 2020 |title=Min Aung Hlaing reshuffles senior military ranks ahead of election |url=https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/min-aung-hlaing-reshuffles-senior-military-ranks-ahead-of-election/ |access-date=4 February 2021 |website=Frontier Myanmar |language=en-US |archive-date=27 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200527034613/https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/min-aung-hlaing-reshuffles-senior-military-ranks-ahead-of-election/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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⚫ | War with the [[Arakan Army]] intensified during this period, and the military was accused of targeting [[Rakhine people|Arakanese]] civilians and their properties. On 17 March 2019, [[Kyaw Zaw Oo]], an [[Rakhine People|Arakanese]] MP, published a bilingual open letter to Min Aung Hlaing about the many human rights violations of the [[Tatmadaw]] in [[Rakhine State]] that harmed the lives and property of civilians and damaged buildings of cultural heritage.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://kzo.home.blog/2019/03/18/open-letter-to-myanmar-cinc-min-aung-hlaing-from-u-kyaw-zaw-oo-about-damage-incurred-by-intentional-and-indiscriminate-attacks-of-myanma-tatmadaw-on-non-military-targets/ |title=Open Letter to Senior General Min Aung Hlaing from U Kyaw Zaw Oo about damage to cultural heritage, fatalities and casualties incurred by intentional and indiscriminate attacks of Myanma Tatmadaw on non-military targets |publisher=[[Kyaw Zaw Oo]] |year=2019 |access-date=27 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201227103927/https://kzo.home.blog/2019/03/18/open-letter-to-myanmar-cinc-min-aung-hlaing-from-u-kyaw-zaw-oo-about-damage-incurred-by-intentional-and-indiscriminate-attacks-of-myanma-tatmadaw-on-non-military-targets/ |archive-date=27 December 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |url=https://kzo.home.blog/2019/03/18/open-letter-to-senior-general-min-aung-hlaing-from-u-kyaw-zaw-oo-about-intentional-and-indiscriminate-attacks-of-myanma-tatmadaw-on-non-military-targets/ |title=သမိုင်းဝင် ယဉ်ကျေးမှုဆိုင်ရာအဆောက်အအုံများအပါအဝင် စစ်ဖက်ပစ်မှတ်မဟုတ်သည့်နေရာများသို့ တမင်သက်သက် ပစ်ခတ်ကြသဖြင့် သေဆုံးထိခိုက်ကြရသည့်ကိစ္စ အိတ်ဖွင့်ပေးစာ |publisher=[[Kyaw Zaw Oo]] |year=2019 |language=my |access-date=27 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201227104428/https://kzo.home.blog/2019/03/18/open-letter-to-senior-general-min-aung-hlaing-from-u-kyaw-zaw-oo-about-intentional-and-indiscriminate-attacks-of-myanma-tatmadaw-on-non-military-targets/ |archive-date=27 December 2020}}</ref> |
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=== 2020–present === |
=== 2020–present === |
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In February 2020, Min Aung Hlaing, his wife [[Kyu Kyu Hla]] and with his close astrologer [[Vasipake Sayadaw]] placed the "[[Hti]]" umbrella atop [[Bagan]]'s most powerful ancient [[Htilominlo Temple]]. The meaning of the [[temple]] name is "need the royal umbrella, need the King". He was following in the footsteps of some of Myanmar's most powerful political figures including his predecessor, Senior General [[Than Shwe]]. Many people believed that the ceremony was a [[yadaya]] and seeking divine blessings for his glory.<ref>{{cite news |title=Criticized, Myanmar's Influential Monk Close to Coup Leader Breaks Silence on Killing Protesters |url=https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/criticized-myanmars-influential-monk-close-coup-leader-breaks-silence-killing-protesters.html |work=The Irrawaddy |date=5 March 2021 |access-date=12 December 2021 |archive-date=7 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210307095017/https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/criticized-myanmars-influential-monk-close-coup-leader-breaks-silence-killing-protesters.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
In February 2020, Min Aung Hlaing, his wife [[Kyu Kyu Hla]] and with his close astrologer [[Vasipake Sayadaw]] placed the "[[Hti]]" umbrella atop [[Bagan]]'s most powerful ancient [[Htilominlo Temple]]. The meaning of the [[temple]] name is "need the royal umbrella, need the King". He was following in the footsteps of some of Myanmar's most powerful political figures including his predecessor, Senior General [[Than Shwe]]. Many people believed that the ceremony was a [[yadaya]] and seeking [[Divine blessing|divine blessings]] for his glory.<ref>{{cite news |title=Criticized, Myanmar's Influential Monk Close to Coup Leader Breaks Silence on Killing Protesters |url=https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/criticized-myanmars-influential-monk-close-coup-leader-breaks-silence-killing-protesters.html |work=The Irrawaddy |date=5 March 2021 |access-date=12 December 2021 |archive-date=7 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210307095017/https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/criticized-myanmars-influential-monk-close-coup-leader-breaks-silence-killing-protesters.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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In November 2020, Min Aung Hlaing made a series of public comments questioning the legitimacy of the upcoming 2020 election, in potential violation of the Civil Services Personnel Law.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Min Aung Hlaing's election remarks violate law, says President's Office |url=https://www.myanmar-now.org/en/news/min-aung-hlaings-election-remarks-violate-law-says-presidents-office |access-date=4 February 2021 |website=Myanmar NOW |language=en |archive-date=5 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201105043937/https://www.myanmar-now.org/en/news/min-aung-hlaings-election-remarks-violate-law-says-presidents-office |url-status=live }}</ref> On 5 November, the [[Tatmadaw]] declared that Min Aung Hlaing's rank is equivalent to [[Vice President of Myanmar]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=5 November 2020 |title=ဗိုလ်ချုပ်မှူးကြီးမင်းအောင်လှိုင်သည် ဒုတိယသမ္မတအဆင့်ရှိသူဟု တပ်မတော်ထုတ်ပြန် |language=my |work=[[The Myanmar Times]] |url=https://myanmar.mmtimes.com/news/146153.html |url-status=live |access-date=1 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113084838/https://myanmar.mmtimes.com/news/146153.html |archive-date=13 November 2020}}</ref> After casting his ballot in the 2020 election, Min Aung Hlaing vowed to accept the election results.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Military chief Min Aung Hlaing vows to accept election results after public spat with government |url=https://www.myanmar-now.org/en/news/military-chief-min-aung-hlaing-vows-to-accept-election-results-after-public-spat-with |access-date=4 February 2021 |website=Myanmar NOW |language=en |archive-date=8 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108124717/https://www.myanmar-now.org/en/news/military-chief-min-aung-hlaing-vows-to-accept-election-results-after-public-spat-with |url-status=live }}</ref> The 2020 election saw NLD win in a larger landslide than in 2015, forestalling Min Aung Hlaing's political ambitions. In response, the military began intensifying allegations of electoral fraud and irregularities, submitting formal complaints to the [[Union Election Commission]]. On 27 January 2021, Min Aung Hlaing publicly remarked that he would not rule out a [[coup d'état]] and abolition of the [[2008 Constitution of Myanmar|constitution]], if allegations of voter fraud during last year's election were not adequately addressed.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Commander-in-chief says 'constitution can be repealed' |url=https://www.myanmar-now.org/en/news/commander-in-chief-says-constitution-can-be-repealed |access-date=4 February 2021 |website=Myanmar NOW |language=en |archive-date=28 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128044609/https://www.myanmar-now.org/en/news/commander-in-chief-says-constitution-can-be-repealed |url-status=live }}</ref> These comments sparked concern about another potential coup in the country.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 January 2021 |title=Tatmadaw chief's rhetoric fuels fears of a coup |url=https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/myanmar-army-chiefs-rhetoric-fuels-fears-of-a-coup/ |access-date=4 February 2021 |website=Frontier Myanmar |language=en-US |archive-date=29 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210129025223/https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/myanmar-army-chiefs-rhetoric-fuels-fears-of-a-coup/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The following day, the Union Election Commission issued a statement rejecting claims of electoral fraud, citing the lack of evidence submitted to substantiate these claims.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Myanmar Election Authority Rejects Military Claims of Election Fraud |url=https://www.rfa.org/english/news/myanmar/election-fraud-01282021184631.html |access-date=4 February 2021 |website=Radio Free Asia |language=en |archive-date=29 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210129000802/https://www.rfa.org/english/news/myanmar/election-fraud-01282021184631.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On 29 January, the military issued clarifying statements pledging to protect and abide by the constitution and applicable laws.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Naing |first=Shoon |date=30 January 2021 |title=Myanmar military allays coup fears, says it will protect constitution |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-myanmar-politics-idUSKBN29Z09L |access-date=4 February 2021 |archive-date=3 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210203132924/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-myanmar-politics-idUSKBN29Z09L |url-status=live }}</ref> |
In November 2020, Min Aung Hlaing made a series of public comments questioning the legitimacy of the upcoming [[2020 Myanmar general election|2020 election]], in potential violation of the Civil Services Personnel Law.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Min Aung Hlaing's election remarks violate law, says President's Office |url=https://www.myanmar-now.org/en/news/min-aung-hlaings-election-remarks-violate-law-says-presidents-office |access-date=4 February 2021 |website=Myanmar NOW |language=en |archive-date=5 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201105043937/https://www.myanmar-now.org/en/news/min-aung-hlaings-election-remarks-violate-law-says-presidents-office |url-status=live }}</ref> On 5 November, the [[Tatmadaw]] declared that Min Aung Hlaing's rank is equivalent to [[Vice President of Myanmar]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=5 November 2020 |title=ဗိုလ်ချုပ်မှူးကြီးမင်းအောင်လှိုင်သည် ဒုတိယသမ္မတအဆင့်ရှိသူဟု တပ်မတော်ထုတ်ပြန် |language=my |work=[[The Myanmar Times]] |url=https://myanmar.mmtimes.com/news/146153.html |url-status=live |access-date=1 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113084838/https://myanmar.mmtimes.com/news/146153.html |archive-date=13 November 2020}}</ref> After casting his ballot in the [[2020 Myanmar general election|2020 election]], Min Aung Hlaing vowed to accept the election results.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Military chief Min Aung Hlaing vows to accept election results after public spat with government |url=https://www.myanmar-now.org/en/news/military-chief-min-aung-hlaing-vows-to-accept-election-results-after-public-spat-with |access-date=4 February 2021 |website=Myanmar NOW |language=en |archive-date=8 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108124717/https://www.myanmar-now.org/en/news/military-chief-min-aung-hlaing-vows-to-accept-election-results-after-public-spat-with |url-status=live }}</ref> The 2020 election saw [[National League for Democracy|NLD]] win in a larger landslide than in 2015, forestalling Min Aung Hlaing's political ambitions. In response, the military began intensifying [[allegations]] of [[electoral fraud]] and irregularities, submitting [[Formal complaint|formal complaints]] to the [[Union Election Commission]] ([[Union Election Commission|UEC]]). On 27 January 2021, Min Aung Hlaing publicly remarked that he would not rule out a [[coup d'état]] and abolition of the [[2008 Constitution of Myanmar|constitution]], if allegations of [[voter fraud]] during last year's election were not adequately addressed.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Commander-in-chief says 'constitution can be repealed' |url=https://www.myanmar-now.org/en/news/commander-in-chief-says-constitution-can-be-repealed |access-date=4 February 2021 |website=Myanmar NOW |language=en |archive-date=28 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128044609/https://www.myanmar-now.org/en/news/commander-in-chief-says-constitution-can-be-repealed |url-status=live }}</ref> These comments sparked concern about another potential [[Coup d'état|coup]] in the country.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 January 2021 |title=Tatmadaw chief's rhetoric fuels fears of a coup |url=https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/myanmar-army-chiefs-rhetoric-fuels-fears-of-a-coup/ |access-date=4 February 2021 |website=Frontier Myanmar |language=en-US |archive-date=29 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210129025223/https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/myanmar-army-chiefs-rhetoric-fuels-fears-of-a-coup/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The following day, the [[Union Election Commission]] issued a statement rejecting claims of [[electoral fraud]], citing the lack of evidence submitted to substantiate these claims.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Myanmar Election Authority Rejects Military Claims of Election Fraud |url=https://www.rfa.org/english/news/myanmar/election-fraud-01282021184631.html |access-date=4 February 2021 |website=Radio Free Asia |language=en |archive-date=29 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210129000802/https://www.rfa.org/english/news/myanmar/election-fraud-01282021184631.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On 29 January, the military issued clarifying statements pledging to protect and abide by the constitution and applicable laws.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Naing |first=Shoon |date=30 January 2021 |title=Myanmar military allays coup fears, says it will protect constitution |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-myanmar-politics-idUSKBN29Z09L |access-date=4 February 2021 |archive-date=3 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210203132924/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-myanmar-politics-idUSKBN29Z09L |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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On 1 February 2021, Min Aung Hlaing detained elected leaders including President [[Win Myint]], State Counsellor [[Aung San Suu Kyi]] and declared himself as |
On 1 February 2021, Min Aung Hlaing [[Life imprisonment|detained]] elected leaders including President [[Win Myint]], State Counsellor [[Aung San Suu Kyi]] and declared himself as [[Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services|Commander-in-chief of Myanmar]], one day before democratically-elected members of parliament were scheduled to be sworn in as members of the [[Pyidaungsu Hluttaw]] ([[Assembly of the Union]]). The following day, he established the [[State Administration Council]] ([[State Administration Council|SAC]]) as the country's interim ruling body.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ပြည်ထောင်စုသမ္မတမြန်မာနိုင်ငံတော် တပ်မတော်ကာကွယ်ရေးဦးစီးချုပ်ရုံး အမိန့်အမှတ်(၉/၂၀၂၁) ၁၃၈၂ ခုနှစ်၊ ပြာသိုလပြည့်ကျော် ၆ ရက် ၂၀၂၁ ခုနှစ်၊ ဖေဖော်ဝါရီလ ၂ ရက် |url=http://dsinfo.org/node/957 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210203131316/http://dsinfo.org/node/957 |archive-date=3 February 2021 |access-date=2 February 2021 |website=Tatmadaw Information Team |language=my}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2 February 2021 |title=Myanmar military announces new State Administration Council |url=https://www.mmtimes.com/news/myanmar-military-announces-new-state-administrative-council.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210203131316/https://www.mmtimes.com/news/myanmar-military-announces-new-state-administrative-council.html |archive-date=3 February 2021 |access-date=2 February 2021 |website=The Myanmar Times}}</ref> |
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On 22 May 2021, Min Aung Hlaing gave his first interview since the coup to Hong Kong-based Chinese language [[Phoenix Television]]. During the interview, he referred to deposed leader [[Aung San Suu Kyi]] and he said that she "is in good health. She is at her home and healthy. She is going to face trial at the court in a few days."<ref>{{Cite news |date=22 May 2021 |title=Myanmar junta leader says Suu Kyi in good health |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/myanmar-junta-leader-says-suu-kyi-good-health-2021-05-22/ |access-date=22 May 2021 |archive-date=22 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522080046/https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/myanmar-junta-leader-says-suu-kyi-good-health-2021-05-22/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On the same day, ''[[Myanmar Now]]'' reported that shortly after the coup, Min Aung Hlaing appointed himself indefinitely as the commander-in-chief and therefore the ''de facto'' leader of Myanmar.<ref>{{Cite news |date=22 May 2021 |title=Min Aung Hlaing makes himself military supremo for life |agency=[[Myanmar Now]] |url=https://www.myanmar-now.org/en/news/min-aung-hlaing-makes-himself-military-supremo-for-life |access-date=22 May 2021 |archive-date=22 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522035922/https://www.myanmar-now.org/en/news/min-aung-hlaing-makes-himself-military-supremo-for-life |url-status=live }}</ref> |
On 22 May 2021, Min Aung Hlaing gave his first [[interview]] since the [[Myanmar coup d'état|coup]] to Hong Kong-based Chinese language [[Phoenix Television]]. During the interview, he referred to [[deposed]] leader [[Aung San Suu Kyi]] and he said that she "is in good health. She is at her home and healthy. She is going to face trial at the court in a few days."<ref>{{Cite news |date=22 May 2021 |title=Myanmar junta leader says Suu Kyi in good health |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/myanmar-junta-leader-says-suu-kyi-good-health-2021-05-22/ |access-date=22 May 2021 |archive-date=22 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522080046/https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/myanmar-junta-leader-says-suu-kyi-good-health-2021-05-22/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On the same day, ''[[Myanmar Now]]'' reported that shortly after the [[2021 Myanmar coup d'état|coup]], Min Aung Hlaing appointed himself indefinitely as the [[Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services|commander-in-chief]] and therefore the ''[[de facto]]'' leader of [[Myanmar]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=22 May 2021 |title=Min Aung Hlaing makes himself military supremo for life |agency=[[Myanmar Now]] |url=https://www.myanmar-now.org/en/news/min-aung-hlaing-makes-himself-military-supremo-for-life |access-date=22 May 2021 |archive-date=22 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522035922/https://www.myanmar-now.org/en/news/min-aung-hlaing-makes-himself-military-supremo-for-life |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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Six months after the coup, on 1 August 2021, Min Aung Hlaing formed a caretaker government and established himself as the country's [[Prime Minister of Myanmar|prime minister]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=1 August 2021 |title=Myanmar military leader takes new title of prime minister in caretaker government – state media |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/india/myanmar-military-leader-takes-new-title-prime-minister-caretaker-government-2021-08-01/ |access-date=1 August 2021 |archive-date=1 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801101648/https://www.reuters.com/world/india/myanmar-military-leader-takes-new-title-prime-minister-caretaker-government-2021-08-01/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=1 August 2021 |title=Myanmar army ruler takes prime minister role, again pledges elections |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/myanmar-politics-int-idUSKBN2F20W6 |access-date=1 August 2021 |archive-date=1 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801120205/https://www.reuters.com/article/myanmar-politics-int-idUSKBN2F20W6 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Beech |first=Hannah |date=1 August 2021 |title=Top Myanmar General Says Military Rule Will Continue Into 2023 |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/01/world/asia/myanmar-state-emergency.html |access-date=1 August 2021 |archive-date=1 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801082715/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/01/world/asia/myanmar-state-emergency.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He also remains the [[Chairman of the State Administration Council |
Six months after the [[2021 Myanmar coup d'état|coup]], on 1 August 2021, Min Aung Hlaing formed a [[caretaker government]] and established himself as the country's [[Prime Minister of Myanmar|prime minister]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=1 August 2021 |title=Myanmar military leader takes new title of prime minister in caretaker government – state media |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/india/myanmar-military-leader-takes-new-title-prime-minister-caretaker-government-2021-08-01/ |access-date=1 August 2021 |archive-date=1 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801101648/https://www.reuters.com/world/india/myanmar-military-leader-takes-new-title-prime-minister-caretaker-government-2021-08-01/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=1 August 2021 |title=Myanmar army ruler takes prime minister role, again pledges elections |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/myanmar-politics-int-idUSKBN2F20W6 |access-date=1 August 2021 |archive-date=1 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801120205/https://www.reuters.com/article/myanmar-politics-int-idUSKBN2F20W6 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Beech |first=Hannah |date=1 August 2021 |title=Top Myanmar General Says Military Rule Will Continue Into 2023 |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/01/world/asia/myanmar-state-emergency.html |access-date=1 August 2021 |archive-date=1 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801082715/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/01/world/asia/myanmar-state-emergency.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He also remains the [[Chairman of the State Administration Council]] ([[Chairman of the State Administration Council|SAC]]).<ref>{{Cite news |date=2 August 2021 |title=Sixth coordination meeting on COVID-19 prevention, control and treatment held; Chairman of State Administration Council Prime Minister of Caretaker Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Min Aung Hlaing delivers address |url=https://www.cincds.gov.mm/node/13878 |access-date= |archive-date=6 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206101310/https://www.cincds.gov.mm/node/13878 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=8 August 2021|title=State Administration Council Chairman Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing addresses Council meeting 13/2021|url=https://www.cincds.gov.mm/node/13952|access-date=|archive-date=6 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206101308/https://www.cincds.gov.mm/node/13952|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=11 August 2021|title=SAC Chairman Prime Minister of the Provisional Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Min Aung Hlaing delivers|url=https://www.cincds.gov.mm/node/14004|access-date=|archive-date=6 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206101306/https://www.cincds.gov.mm/node/14004|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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On 13 April 2023, Min Aung Hlaing was featured on [[Time (magazine)|TIME Magazine]]'s list of the '100 Most Influential People of 2023.' <ref>{{Cite news |last=Campbell |first=Charlie |date=13 April 2023 |title=TIME Magazine: "The 100 Most Influential People of 2023: Min Aung Hlaing" |url=https://time.com/collection/100-most-influential-people-2023/6269857/min-aung-hlaing/ |work=[[TIME Magazine]]}}</ref> The acknowledgment highlighted his commanding presence during [[Myanmar Armed Forces|Myanmar]]'s [[Armed Forces Day (Myanmar)|Armed Forces Day]] parade on 27 March 2023, emphasizing his control over the nation since the [[2021 Myanmar coup d'état|February 2021 coup d'état]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=27 March 2023 |title=Myanmar's army throws huge military parade days after new US sanctions |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2023/03/27/asia/myanmar-armed-forces-day-us-sanctions-intl-hnk/index.html |work=[[CNN]]}}</ref> While [[controversies]] have arisen during his tenure, including a [[Criticism|criticisms]] of specific [[Myanmar conflict|campaigns]] and [[allegations]] of involvement in humanitarian concerns, his recognition reflects his significant impact on the [[Myanmar|nation]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=5 December 2023 |title=Myanmar's military leader says armed organisations must solve their problems 'politically' |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/myanmar-junta-leader-says-armed-organisations-must-solve-their-problems-2023-12-05/ |work=[[Reuters]]}}</ref> |
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====Myanmar civil war==== |
====Myanmar civil war==== |
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{{See also|Myanmar civil war (2021-present)}} |
{{See also|Myanmar civil war (2021-present)}} |
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After four pro-democracy activists were executed on 24 July 2022, the chairman of the [[ASEAN]], [[Hun Sen]], UN representatives, and Western leaders condemned the executions.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-08-03 |title=La ASEAN dice que podría repensar el acuerdo de paz con Birmania si la junta militar sigue ejecutando prisioneros |url=https://www.europapress.es/internacional/noticia-asean-dice-podria-repensar-acuerdo-paz-birmania-si-junta-militar-sigue-ejecutando-prisioneros-20220803221650.html |access-date=2022-08-04 |publisher=Europa Press |archive-date=4 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220804081759/https://www.europapress.es/internacional/noticia-asean-dice-podria-repensar-acuerdo-paz-birmania-si-junta-militar-sigue-ejecutando-prisioneros-20220803221650.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Paddock |first=Richard |date=25 July 2022 |title=Myanmar Executes Four Pro-Democracy Activists, Defying Foreign Leaders |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/25/world/asia/myanmar-executions.html |access-date=16 November 2022 |archive-date=16 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221116125614/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/25/world/asia/myanmar-executions.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
After four [[pro-democracy]] [[Activism|activists]] were [[executed]] on 24 July 2022, the chairman of the [[ASEAN]], [[Hun Sen]], UN representatives, and [[Western world|Western]] leaders condemned the [[executions]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-08-03 |title=La ASEAN dice que podría repensar el acuerdo de paz con Birmania si la junta militar sigue ejecutando prisioneros |url=https://www.europapress.es/internacional/noticia-asean-dice-podria-repensar-acuerdo-paz-birmania-si-junta-militar-sigue-ejecutando-prisioneros-20220803221650.html |access-date=2022-08-04 |publisher=Europa Press |archive-date=4 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220804081759/https://www.europapress.es/internacional/noticia-asean-dice-podria-repensar-acuerdo-paz-birmania-si-junta-militar-sigue-ejecutando-prisioneros-20220803221650.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Paddock |first=Richard |date=25 July 2022 |title=Myanmar Executes Four Pro-Democracy Activists, Defying Foreign Leaders |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/25/world/asia/myanmar-executions.html |access-date=16 November 2022 |archive-date=16 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221116125614/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/25/world/asia/myanmar-executions.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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On 7 September 2022, Min Aung Hlaing met with Russian President [[Vladimir Putin]] on the sidelines of an economic meeting in eastern Russia, the first time that the pair have met since the coup.<ref>{{cite news |title=Myanmar's Min Aung Hlaing meets Putin for first time since coup |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/9/7/myanmars-min-aung-hlaing-prepares-to-meet-putin |work=www.aljazeera.com |date=7 September 2022 |language=en |access-date=29 September 2022 |archive-date=29 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220929033750/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/9/7/myanmars-min-aung-hlaing-prepares-to-meet-putin |url-status=live }}</ref> |
On 7 September 2022, Min Aung Hlaing met with [[Russian President]] [[Vladimir Putin]] on the sidelines of an [[economic]] [[meeting]] in [[Eastern Economic Forum]] ([[Eastern Economic Forum|EEF]]), in [[Vladivostok]], [[Russian Far East|eastern]] Russia, the first time that the pair have met since the [[2021 Myanmar coup d'état|coup]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Myanmar's Min Aung Hlaing meets Putin for first time since coup |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/9/7/myanmars-min-aung-hlaing-prepares-to-meet-putin |work=www.aljazeera.com |date=7 September 2022 |language=en |access-date=29 September 2022 |archive-date=29 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220929033750/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/9/7/myanmars-min-aung-hlaing-prepares-to-meet-putin |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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In January 2023, Min Aung Hlaing enacted a new electoral law aimed at rigging the [[Next Myanmar general election|next general election]] in favor of the military proxy party, the Union Solidarity and Development party.<ref>{{cite news |title=Myanmar military announces strict new election law ahead of polls |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/1/27/myanmar-military-unveils-strict-new-election-law-ahead-of-polls |access-date=28 January 2023 |work=[[Al Jazeera English|Al Jazeera]] |date=27 January 2023 |archive-date=28 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230128041801/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/1/27/myanmar-military-unveils-strict-new-election-law-ahead-of-polls |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Myanmar army set to cement rule with tough new election criteria |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/myanmar-army-set-cement-rule-with-tough-new-election-rules-2023-01-27/ |access-date=28 January 2023 |work=[[Reuters]] |date=27 January 2022 |archive-date=28 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230128041801/https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/myanmar-army-set-cement-rule-with-tough-new-election-rules-2023-01-27/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He is himself considered a likely USDP nominee for President of Myanmar in the subsequent presidential election.<ref>{{cite news |title=Min Aung Hlaing's Mania for the Presidency Is Alive and Well—and May Soon Bear Fruit |url=https://www.irrawaddy.com/opinion/analysis/min-aung-hlaings-mania-for-the-presidency-is-alive-and-well-and-may-soon-bear-fruit.html |access-date=28 January 2023 |work=[[The Irrawaddy]] |date=6 January 2023 |archive-date=2 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202175818/https://www.irrawaddy.com/opinion/analysis/min-aung-hlaings-mania-for-the-presidency-is-alive-and-well-and-may-soon-bear-fruit.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
In January 2023, Min Aung Hlaing enacted a new [[electoral law]] aimed at rigging the [[Next Myanmar general election|next general election]] in favor of the military proxy party, the [[Union Solidarity and Development Party|Union Solidarity and Development party]] ([[USDP (Burma)|USDP]]).<ref>{{cite news |title=Myanmar military announces strict new election law ahead of polls |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/1/27/myanmar-military-unveils-strict-new-election-law-ahead-of-polls |access-date=28 January 2023 |work=[[Al Jazeera English|Al Jazeera]] |date=27 January 2023 |archive-date=28 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230128041801/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/1/27/myanmar-military-unveils-strict-new-election-law-ahead-of-polls |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Myanmar army set to cement rule with tough new election criteria |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/myanmar-army-set-cement-rule-with-tough-new-election-rules-2023-01-27/ |access-date=28 January 2023 |work=[[Reuters]] |date=27 January 2022 |archive-date=28 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230128041801/https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/myanmar-army-set-cement-rule-with-tough-new-election-rules-2023-01-27/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He is himself considered a likely USDP nominee for [[President of Myanmar]] in the subsequent presidential election.<ref>{{cite news |title=Min Aung Hlaing's Mania for the Presidency Is Alive and Well—and May Soon Bear Fruit |url=https://www.irrawaddy.com/opinion/analysis/min-aung-hlaings-mania-for-the-presidency-is-alive-and-well-and-may-soon-bear-fruit.html |access-date=28 January 2023 |work=[[The Irrawaddy]] |date=6 January 2023 |archive-date=2 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202175818/https://www.irrawaddy.com/opinion/analysis/min-aung-hlaings-mania-for-the-presidency-is-alive-and-well-and-may-soon-bear-fruit.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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Min Aung Hlaing refused to give up his emergency powers when they were constitutionally set to expire on 1 February 2023, further delaying new elections.<ref>{{cite news |title=Myanmar military rulers extend state of emergency by six months |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/2/1/myanmar-military-rulers-extend-state-of-emergency-by-six-months |access-date=1 February 2023 |work=[[Al Jazeera English|Al Jazeera]] |date=1 February 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Myanmar junta extends state of emergency, effectively delaying polls |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20230201-myanmar-marks-coup-anniversary-with-eyes-on-junta-election-plan |access-date=1 February 2023 |work=[[Agence France-Presse]] |publisher=[[France24]] |date=1 February 2023 |location=[[Yangon]]}}</ref> |
Min Aung Hlaing refused to give up his [[emergency powers]] when they were constitutionally set to expire on 1 February 2023, further delaying new elections.<ref>{{cite news |title=Myanmar military rulers extend state of emergency by six months |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/2/1/myanmar-military-rulers-extend-state-of-emergency-by-six-months |access-date=1 February 2023 |work=[[Al Jazeera English|Al Jazeera]] |date=1 February 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Myanmar junta extends state of emergency, effectively delaying polls |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20230201-myanmar-marks-coup-anniversary-with-eyes-on-junta-election-plan |access-date=1 February 2023 |work=[[Agence France-Presse]] |publisher=[[France24]] |date=1 February 2023 |location=[[Yangon]]}}</ref> |
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In March 2023, Min Aung Hlaing made a rare public appearance at the Armed Forces Day parade stating that his government would continue to fight back against resistance groups in the country and their "acts of terror". General Hlaing called his critics supporters of terrorism.<ref>{{cite news |title=Myanmar army chief vows to crush resistance in rare speech |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-65084202 |access-date=27 March 2023 |work=[[BBC News]] |date=27 March 2023}}</ref> |
In March 2023, Min Aung Hlaing made a rare public appearance at the [[Armed Forces Day (Myanmar)|Armed Forces Day]] parade stating that his [[Tatmadaw|government]] would continue to fight back against [[Myanmar civil war (2021–present)|resistance groups]] in the country and their "acts of terror". General Hlaing called his critics [[Supporter|supporters]] of [[terrorism]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Myanmar army chief vows to crush resistance in rare speech |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-65084202 |access-date=27 March 2023 |work=[[BBC News]] |date=27 March 2023}}</ref> |
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Starting in January 2024, multiple pro-military figures condemned Min Aung Hlaing for incompetence and excessive self-interest after the Tatmadaw suffered an unprecedented string of defeats during [[Operation 1027]].<ref> [https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/worst-leader-militarys-winter-of-discontent/ ‘Worst leader’: Military’s winter of discontent] January 19, 2024. [[Frontier Myanmar]]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240120160814/https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/worst-leader-militarys-winter-of-discontent/|date=January 20, 2024}}</ref> In February 2024, to address the Tatmadaw's personnel issues, Min Aung Hlaing activated Myanmar's 1959 conscription law for the first time, with plans to draft 60,000 young men and women.<ref name="conscription" /><ref>{{cite news |last1=Paddock |first1=Richard |title=Its Forces Depleted, Myanmar Junta Says It Will Enforce a Military Draft |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/13/world/asia/myanmar-junta-military-draft.html |access-date=14 February 2024 |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=13 February 2024}}</ref> Men aged 18–35 and women aged 18–27 will be required to serve up to five years under the state of emergency, or face five years imprisonment.<ref>{{cite news |title=Myanmar’s junta declares it will enforce military service laws for young people |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/11/myanmars-junta-declares-it-will-enforce-military-service-laws-for-young-people |access-date=14 February 2024 |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=10 February 2024}}</ref> |
Starting in January 2024, multiple pro-military figures condemned Min Aung Hlaing for [[Illusory superiority|incompetence]] and excessive [[self-interest]] after the [[Tatmadaw]] suffered an unprecedented string of defeats during [[Operation 1027]].<ref> [https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/worst-leader-militarys-winter-of-discontent/ ‘Worst leader’: Military’s winter of discontent] January 19, 2024. [[Frontier Myanmar]]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240120160814/https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/worst-leader-militarys-winter-of-discontent/|date=January 20, 2024}}</ref> In February 2024, to address the [[Tatmadaw]]'s personnel issues, Min Aung Hlaing activated Myanmar's 1959 [[conscription]] law for the first time, with plans to draft 60,000 young men and women.<ref name="conscription" /><ref>{{cite news |last1=Paddock |first1=Richard |title=Its Forces Depleted, Myanmar Junta Says It Will Enforce a Military Draft |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/13/world/asia/myanmar-junta-military-draft.html |access-date=14 February 2024 |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=13 February 2024}}</ref> Men aged 18–35 and women aged 18–27 will be required to serve up to five years under the [[state of emergency]], or face [[Imprisonment|five years imprisonment]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Myanmar’s junta declares it will enforce military service laws for young people |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/11/myanmars-junta-declares-it-will-enforce-military-service-laws-for-young-people |access-date=14 February 2024 |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=10 February 2024}}</ref> |
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In March 2024, Min Aung Hlaing claimed at the Armed Forces Day parade young people are being tricked into supporting the resistance against the military, and accused "some powerful nations" of trying to interfere with Myanmar’s internal affairs.<ref>{{cite web|work=[[Al Jazeera English|Al Jazeera]]|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/3/28/min-aung-hlaing-talks-tough-as-myanmars-armed-forces-hold-annual-parade|title=Min Aung Hlaing talks tough as Myanmar’s armed forces face growing pressure|date=2024-03-28}}</ref> |
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While attending the [[Defence Services Academy]] during [[Thingyan]], the traditional [[Thingyan|Myanmar New Year Water Festival]], Min Aung Hlaing, the leader of the [[2021 Myanmar coup d'état|military coup]], found himself in the [[crosshairs]] of danger. On 14 April 2024, at 9 PM, the [[MDY-PDF|Mandalay People's Defence Force]] ([[MDY-PDF|MDY PDF]]) launched a [[rocket]] [[Offensive (military)|attack]] using [[Type 63 multiple rocket launcher|107mm rockets]]. The attack, which targeted [[Defence Services Academy|Pyin Oo Lwin Military University]] and [[Defence Services Technological Academy|Military Technological University]], was a brazen [[attempt]] to [[eliminate]] him. Over 20 [[Rocket|rockets]] were fired, with 17 of them [[exploding]], narrowly missing their [[Targeted killing|target]]. This harrowing incident not only highlighted the grave [[security]] [[Threat|threats]] faced by [[Tatmadaw|military personnel]] but also underscored the volatile and tense atmosphere prevailing in [[Myanmar]] during that period, adding to the [[Myanmar civil war (2021–present)|ongoing turmoil]] and [[instability]] in the country.<ref> {{Cite web |date=2024-04-15 |title=How did the shock missile attack at Pyin U Lwin, the military base, happen? |url=https://www.bbc.com/burmese/articles/cn03r8kg7p0o |access-date=2024-04-16 |website=[[BBC News]] [[Myanmar]] |language=}}</ref> |
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According to SAC media, resistance groups in Yangon attempted to assassinate Min Aung Hlaing with explosives and firearms in June 2024. <ref> [https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/nervy-myanmar-junta-boss-orders-alert-as-alleged-assassination-plot-foiled.html Nervy Myanmar Junta Boss Orders Alert as Alleged Assassination Plot Foiled]. June 11, 2024. [[The Irrawaddy]]</ref> <ref> [https://www.facebook.com/theirrawaddyburmese/posts/pfbid0hN5Nff67LegE8SMrvn6k9wk6DqioX3iFnbzgjJgCJWmf2zEzBLMFtK2AjAiDuhN4l 4 more people were arrested for plotting to attack the opening of Thanlyin Bridge]. June 17, 2024. [[The Irrawaddy]]</ref> |
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=== Corruption === |
=== Corruption === |
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Min Aung Hlaing has courted enduring controversy for his family's extensive business assets and potential [[conflict of interest|conflicts of interest]].<ref>{{Cite web|website=The Irrawaddy|url=https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/post-coup-myanmar-is-a-family-business-min-aung-hlaing-co.html|title=Post-Coup Myanmar is a Family Business: Min Aung Hlaing & Co|date=February 8, 2024|first1=David|last1=Aung}}</ref> He is a major shareholder in the army-owned [[Myanma Economic Holdings Limited|Myanmar Economic Holdings Limited]] (MEHL). During the 2010–11 fiscal year, he had owned 5,000 shares and received an annual dividend of $250,000 (~${{Format price|{{Inflation|index=US-GDP|value=250000|start_year=2010}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Leaked documents reveal global business links to Myanmar military crimes |url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2020/09/mehl-military-links-to-global-businesses/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108144231/https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2020/09/mehl-military-links-to-global-businesses/ |archive-date=8 January 2021 |access-date=11 January 2021 |website=Amnesty International |date=10 September 2020 |language=en}}</ref> He sits on MEHL's Patron Group, which runs the conglomerate.<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 June 2020 |title=Systemic Conflict of Interest in Myanmar Military Allows for Serious Corruption |url=https://www.justiceformyanmar.org/press-releases/systemic-conflict-of-interest-in-myanmar-military-allows-for-serious-corruption |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026180332/https://www.justiceformyanmar.org/press-releases/systemic-conflict-of-interest-in-myanmar-military-allows-for-serious-corruption |archive-date=26 October 2020 |access-date=11 January 2021 |website=Justice For Myanmar}}</ref> |
Min Aung Hlaing has courted enduring controversy for his family's extensive business assets and potential [[conflict of interest|conflicts of interest]].<ref>{{Cite web|website=The Irrawaddy|url=https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/post-coup-myanmar-is-a-family-business-min-aung-hlaing-co.html|title=Post-Coup Myanmar is a Family Business: Min Aung Hlaing & Co|date=February 8, 2024|first1=David|last1=Aung}}</ref> He is a major shareholder in the army-owned [[Myanma Economic Holdings Limited|Myanmar Economic Holdings Limited]] ([[Myanma Economic Holdings Limited|MEHL]]). During the 2010–11 fiscal year, he had owned 5,000 shares and received an annual dividend of $250,000 (~${{Format price|{{Inflation|index=US-GDP|value=250000|start_year=2010}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Leaked documents reveal global business links to Myanmar military crimes |url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2020/09/mehl-military-links-to-global-businesses/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108144231/https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2020/09/mehl-military-links-to-global-businesses/ |archive-date=8 January 2021 |access-date=11 January 2021 |website=Amnesty International |date=10 September 2020 |language=en}}</ref> He sits on [[Myanma Economic Holdings Limited|MEHL]]'s Patron Group, which runs the conglomerate.<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 June 2020 |title=Systemic Conflict of Interest in Myanmar Military Allows for Serious Corruption |url=https://www.justiceformyanmar.org/press-releases/systemic-conflict-of-interest-in-myanmar-military-allows-for-serious-corruption |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026180332/https://www.justiceformyanmar.org/press-releases/systemic-conflict-of-interest-in-myanmar-military-allows-for-serious-corruption |archive-date=26 October 2020 |access-date=11 January 2021 |website=Justice For Myanmar}}</ref> |
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Min Aung Hlaing's son, Aung Pyae Sone, owns a number of companies, including Sky One Construction Company and Aung Myint Mo Min Insurance Company.<ref name=":3" /> He also has a majority stake in [[Mytel]], a national telecoms carrier.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=တပ်ချုပ်သားပိုင်ကုမ္ပဏီများကို အရေးယူရန် ကုလအချက်အလက်ရှာဖွေရေးအဖွဲ့ တောင်းဆို |url=https://www.myanmar-now.org/mm/news/2402 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201053646/https://www.myanmar-now.org/mm/news/2402 |archive-date=1 February 2021 |access-date=11 January 2021 |website=Myanmar NOW |language=my}}</ref> In 2013, his son Aung Pyae Sone won a [[Multisourcing|no-bid]] government permit well below market rates, for a 30-year lease on land at the Yangon [[People's Square and Park|People's Park]] for a high-end restaurant and art gallery, following his father's promotion to Commander-in-Chief.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Military Chief's Son Paid 'Very Low' Rent for His Upscale Restaurant on Government-Owned Land |url=https://www.myanmar-now.org/en/news/military-chiefs-son-paid-very-low-rent-for-his-upscale-restaurant-on-government-owned-land |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200717014336/https://myanmar-now.org/en/news/military-chiefs-son-paid-very-low-rent-for-his-upscale-restaurant-on-government-owned-land |archive-date=17 July 2020 |access-date=11 January 2021 |website=Myanmar NOW |language=en}}</ref> Aung Pyae Sone also runs ''A&M Mahar'', which offers [[Food and Drug Administration (Myanmar)|Food and Drug Administration]] (FDA) approvals and customs clearance services for drugs and medical devices.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Dirty Secrets #2: Sr. Gen. Min Aung Hlaing's family profiting off of FDA and Customs clearances |url=https://www.justiceformyanmar.org/stories/dirty-secrets-2-sr-gen-min-aung-hlaings-family-selling-fda-and-customs-clearance-for-profit |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026181000/https://www.justiceformyanmar.org/stories/dirty-secrets-2-sr-gen-min-aung-hlaings-family-selling-fda-and-customs-clearance-for-profit |archive-date=26 October 2020 |access-date=11 January 2021 |website=Justice For Myanmar}}</ref> Myanmar's customs department is led by Kyaw Htin, a former MEHL director.<ref name=":1" /> |
Min Aung Hlaing's son, [[Aung Pyae Sone]], owns a number of companies, including Sky One Construction Company and Aung Myint Mo Min Insurance Company.<ref name=":3" /> He also has a majority stake in [[Mytel]], a national [[telecoms carrier]].<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=တပ်ချုပ်သားပိုင်ကုမ္ပဏီများကို အရေးယူရန် ကုလအချက်အလက်ရှာဖွေရေးအဖွဲ့ တောင်းဆို |url=https://www.myanmar-now.org/mm/news/2402 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201053646/https://www.myanmar-now.org/mm/news/2402 |archive-date=1 February 2021 |access-date=11 January 2021 |website=Myanmar NOW |language=my}}</ref> In 2013, his son [[Aung Pyae Sone]] won a [[Multisourcing|no-bid]] government permit well below market rates, for a 30-year lease on land at the Yangon [[People's Square and Park|People's Park]] for a [[high-end]] [[restaurant]] and [[art gallery]], following his father's promotion to [[Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services|Commander-in-Chief]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Military Chief's Son Paid 'Very Low' Rent for His Upscale Restaurant on Government-Owned Land |url=https://www.myanmar-now.org/en/news/military-chiefs-son-paid-very-low-rent-for-his-upscale-restaurant-on-government-owned-land |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200717014336/https://myanmar-now.org/en/news/military-chiefs-son-paid-very-low-rent-for-his-upscale-restaurant-on-government-owned-land |archive-date=17 July 2020 |access-date=11 January 2021 |website=Myanmar NOW |language=en}}</ref> [[Aung Pyae Sone]] also runs ''A&M Mahar'', which offers [[Food and Drug Administration (Myanmar)|Food and Drug Administration]] ([[Food and Drug Administration (Myanmar)|FDA]]) approvals and customs clearance services for [[Drug|drugs]] and [[Medical device|medical devices]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Dirty Secrets #2: Sr. Gen. Min Aung Hlaing's family profiting off of FDA and Customs clearances |url=https://www.justiceformyanmar.org/stories/dirty-secrets-2-sr-gen-min-aung-hlaings-family-selling-fda-and-customs-clearance-for-profit |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026181000/https://www.justiceformyanmar.org/stories/dirty-secrets-2-sr-gen-min-aung-hlaings-family-selling-fda-and-customs-clearance-for-profit |archive-date=26 October 2020 |access-date=11 January 2021 |website=Justice For Myanmar}}</ref> Myanmar's customs department is led by Kyaw Htin, a former [[Myanma Economic Holdings Limited|MEHL]] director.<ref name=":1" /> |
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His daughter Khin Thiri Thet Mon founded a major film studio, [[7th Sense Creation]], in 2017.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Military Chief's Family Members Spend Big on Blockbuster Movies, Beauty Pageants |url=https://www.myanmar-now.org/en/news/military-chiefs-family-members-spend-big-on-blockbuster-movies-beauty-pageants |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201215082136/https://www.myanmar-now.org/en/news/military-chiefs-family-members-spend-big-on-blockbuster-movies-beauty-pageants |archive-date=15 December 2020 |access-date=11 January 2021 |website=Myanmar NOW |language=en}}</ref> That same year, his daughter-in-law, Myo Yadanar Htaik, founded another entertainment company, Stellar Seven Entertainment.<ref name=":2" /> The [[Embassy of the United States, Yangon|American Embassy, Yangon]] came under media scrutiny in December 2020, for collaborating with 7th Sense Creation, because Min Aung Hlaing is technically subject to US economic sanctions.<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 December 2020 |title=US Embassy Under Fire for Working With Firm Owned by Sanctioned Military Chief's Daughter |url=https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/us-embassy-fire-working-firm-owned-sanctioned-military-chiefs-daughter.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210104125127/https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/us-embassy-fire-working-firm-owned-sanctioned-military-chiefs-daughter.html |archive-date=4 January 2021 |access-date=11 January 2021 |website=The Irrawaddy |language=en-US}}</ref> |
His daughter [[Khin Thiri Thet Mon]] founded a major film studio, [[7th Sense Creation]], in 2017.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Military Chief's Family Members Spend Big on Blockbuster Movies, Beauty Pageants |url=https://www.myanmar-now.org/en/news/military-chiefs-family-members-spend-big-on-blockbuster-movies-beauty-pageants |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201215082136/https://www.myanmar-now.org/en/news/military-chiefs-family-members-spend-big-on-blockbuster-movies-beauty-pageants |archive-date=15 December 2020 |access-date=11 January 2021 |website=Myanmar NOW |language=en}}</ref> That same year, his daughter-in-law, [[Myo Yadanar Htaik]], founded another entertainment company, Stellar Seven Entertainment.<ref name=":2" /> The [[Embassy of the United States, Yangon|American Embassy, Yangon]] came under media scrutiny in December 2020, for collaborating with 7th Sense Creation, because Min Aung Hlaing is technically subject to [[US sanctions|US economic sanctions]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 December 2020 |title=US Embassy Under Fire for Working With Firm Owned by Sanctioned Military Chief's Daughter |url=https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/us-embassy-fire-working-firm-owned-sanctioned-military-chiefs-daughter.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210104125127/https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/us-embassy-fire-working-firm-owned-sanctioned-military-chiefs-daughter.html |archive-date=4 January 2021 |access-date=11 January 2021 |website=The Irrawaddy |language=en-US}}</ref> |
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==Rohingya genocide== |
==Rohingya genocide== |
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{{main|Rohingya genocide}} |
{{main|Rohingya genocide}} |
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[[File: Aerial view of a burned Rohingya village in Rakhine state, Myanmar - September 2017.JPG|thumb|250px|Destroyed village in Rakhine State, September 2017]] |
[[File: Aerial view of a burned Rohingya village in Rakhine state, Myanmar - September 2017.JPG|thumb|250px|Destroyed village in [[Rakhine State]], September 2017]] |
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[[File:Rohingya_language_map.png|thumb|right|{{legend|green|Area that traditionally had [[Rohingya]] speakers, currently most are in refugee camps in [[Bangladesh]]}}]] |
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⚫ | The [[United Nations Human Rights Council |
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⚫ | The [[United Nations Human Rights Council]] ([[UNHRC]]) reported that Min Aung Hlaing's [[Tatmadaw|soldiers]] have been deliberately targeting civilians in Northern states of Myanmar and have been committing [[systemic discrimination]] and [[human rights violations]] against [[List of ethnic groups in Myanmar|minority communities]] in [[Rakhine State]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Section |first=United Nations News Service |date=20 June 2016 |title=UN News – Myanmar must address 'serious' human rights violations against minorities – UN rights chief |url=http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=54268#.WdnLnTtpG02 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180212012658/http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=54268#.WdnLnTtpG02 |archive-date=12 February 2018 |access-date=8 October 2017 |website=UN News Service Section |language=en}}</ref> In particular, he has been accused of [[ethnic cleansing]] against the [[Rohingya people]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Farmaner |first=Mark |date=13 September 2017 |title=Only One Person Can Stop Ethnic Cleansing In Myanmar, And It Isn't Aung San Suu Kyi |work=[[Huffington Post]] |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/myanmar-rohingya-aung-san-suu-kyi_us_59b83175e4b02da0e13cf59f |url-status=live |access-date=31 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209201258/https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/myanmar-rohingya-aung-san-suu-kyi_us_59b83175e4b02da0e13cf59f |archive-date=9 February 2019}}</ref> These [[human rights violations]] could amount to [[genocide]], [[crimes against humanity]], and [[War crime|war crimes]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=30 March 2015 |title=Burma's Military Milestone |publisher=[[Human Rights Watch]] |url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2015/03/30/burmas-military-milestone |url-status=live |access-date=27 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804172653/https://www.hrw.org/news/2015/03/30/burmas-military-milestone |archive-date=4 August 2016}}</ref> |
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⚫ | In 2018, the [[United Nations]] Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar, led by [[Marzuki Darusman]], determined that Min Aung Hlaing and other Myanmar military generals oversaw atrocities against the [[Rohingya]] in [[Rakhine state|Rakhine]], [[Kachin state|Kachin]] and [[Shan state]]s, and did so with [[genocidal intent]].<ref name="UNReport">{{Cite news |last=Nebehay |first=Stephanie |date=27 August 2018 |title=Myanmar generals had "genocidal intent" against Rohingya, must face justice – UN |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/myanmar-rohingya-un-idUSL8N1VH04R |access-date=4 February 2021 |archive-date=12 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210212175728/https://www.reuters.com/article/myanmar-rohingya-un-idUSL8N1VH04R |url-status=live }}</ref> The UN investigative panel said that Min Aung Hlaing, along with four other commanders ([[Soe Win (general)|Soe Win]], Aung Kyaw Zaw, [[Maung Maung Soe (general)|Maung Maung Soe]], and Than Oo) should be tried for [[war crime]]s and [[crimes against humanity]] (including genocide) in the [[International Criminal Court]] or an [[International court|ad hoc international tribunal]].<ref name=UNReport/> |
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⚫ | In 2018, the [[United Nations]] [[United Nations fact-finding mission|Independent International Fact-Finding Mission]] on [[Myanmar]], led by [[Marzuki Darusman]], determined that Min Aung Hlaing and other [[:Category:Burmese generals|Myanmar's military generals]] oversaw [[Atrocity crime|atrocities]] against the [[Rohingya]] in [[Rakhine state|Rakhine]], [[Kachin state|Kachin]] and [[Shan state|Shan State]]s, and did so with [[genocidal intent]].<ref name="UNReport">{{Cite news |last=Nebehay |first=Stephanie |date=27 August 2018 |title=Myanmar generals had "genocidal intent" against Rohingya, must face justice – UN |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/myanmar-rohingya-un-idUSL8N1VH04R |access-date=4 February 2021 |archive-date=12 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210212175728/https://www.reuters.com/article/myanmar-rohingya-un-idUSL8N1VH04R |url-status=live }}</ref> The UN investigative panel said that Min Aung Hlaing, along with four other commanders ([[Soe Win (general)|Soe Win]], Aung Kyaw Zaw, [[Maung Maung Soe (general)|Maung Maung Soe]], and Than Oo) should be tried for [[war crime]]s and [[crimes against humanity]] (including [[genocide]]) in the [[International Criminal Court]] ([[International Criminal Court|ICC]]) or an [[International court|ad hoc international tribunal]].<ref name=UNReport/> |
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⚫ | Facebook banned Min Aung Hlaing from its platform along with 19 other top Burmese officials and organisations to prevent further heated ethnic and religious tensions in Myanmar. This action followed a UN investigation's report that certain military leaders in Myanmar be investigated and prosecuted for genocide over a crackdown on Rohingya Muslims.<ref>{{Cite news |date=27 August 2018 |title=Facebook bans Myanmar army chief over rights abuses |work=[[The Times of India]] |url=https://www.timesofindia.com/world/south-asia/facebook-bans-myanmar-army-chief-over-rights-abuses/articleshow/65561259.cms |access-date=27 August 2018}}{{ |
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⚫ | [[Facebook]] banned Min Aung Hlaing from its platform along with 19 other top Burmese [[Official|officials]] and [[Organization|organisations]] to prevent further heated [[Ethnicity|ethnic]] and [[Religion|religious]] tensions in [[Myanmar]]. This action followed a UN investigation's report that certain military leaders in [[Myanmar]] should be investigated and prosecuted for [[genocide]] over a [[Rohingya genocide|crackdown]] on [[Rohingya Muslims]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=27 August 2018 |title=Facebook bans Myanmar army chief over rights abuses |work=[[The Times of India]] |url=https://www.timesofindia.com/world/south-asia/facebook-bans-myanmar-army-chief-over-rights-abuses/articleshow/65561259.cms |access-date=27 August 2018}}{{dead link|date=April 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=27 August 2018 |title=Facebook bans Myanmar Army Chief Min Aung Hlaing, 19 others over rights abuses |publisher=[[News Nation]] |url=http://www.newsnation.in/world-news/facebook-bans-myanmar-army-chief-min-aung-hlaing-19-after-un-report-on-rohingya-article-201517.html |url-status=live |access-date=27 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180827174300/http://www.newsnation.in/world-news/facebook-bans-myanmar-army-chief-min-aung-hlaing-19-after-un-report-on-rohingya-article-201517.html |archive-date=27 August 2018}}</ref> [[Twitter]] later banned him on 16 May 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Archived copy |website=[[TheGuardian.com]] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/may/16/myanmar-army-chiefs-twitter-account-suspended-over-anti-rohingya-hate-speech |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630080746/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/may/16/myanmar-army-chiefs-twitter-account-suspended-over-anti-rohingya-hate-speech |archive-date=30 June 2020 |access-date=5 May 2020}}</ref> |
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⚫ | On 17 March 2019, [[Kyaw Zaw Oo]], an [[Rakhine People|Arakanese]] MP, published a bilingual open letter to Min Aung Hlaing about the many human rights violations of the [[Tatmadaw]] in Rakhine State that harmed the lives and property of civilians and damaged buildings of cultural heritage.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://kzo.home.blog/2019/03/18/open-letter-to-myanmar-cinc-min-aung-hlaing-from-u-kyaw-zaw-oo-about-damage-incurred-by-intentional-and-indiscriminate-attacks-of-myanma-tatmadaw-on-non-military-targets/ |title=Open Letter to Senior General Min Aung Hlaing from U Kyaw Zaw Oo about damage to cultural heritage, fatalities and casualties incurred by intentional and indiscriminate attacks of Myanma Tatmadaw on non-military targets |publisher=[[Kyaw Zaw Oo]] |year=2019 |access-date=27 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201227103927/https://kzo.home.blog/2019/03/18/open-letter-to-myanmar-cinc-min-aung-hlaing-from-u-kyaw-zaw-oo-about-damage-incurred-by-intentional-and-indiscriminate-attacks-of-myanma-tatmadaw-on-non-military-targets/ |archive-date=27 December 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |url=https://kzo.home.blog/2019/03/18/open-letter-to-senior-general-min-aung-hlaing-from-u-kyaw-zaw-oo-about-intentional-and-indiscriminate-attacks-of-myanma-tatmadaw-on-non-military-targets/ |title=သမိုင်းဝင် ယဉ်ကျေးမှုဆိုင်ရာအဆောက်အအုံများအပါအဝင် စစ်ဖက်ပစ်မှတ်မဟုတ်သည့်နေရာများသို့ တမင်သက်သက် ပစ်ခတ်ကြသဖြင့် သေဆုံးထိခိုက်ကြရသည့်ကိစ္စ အိတ်ဖွင့်ပေးစာ |publisher=[[Kyaw Zaw Oo]] |year=2019 |language=my |access-date=27 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201227104428/https://kzo.home.blog/2019/03/18/open-letter-to-senior-general-min-aung-hlaing-from-u-kyaw-zaw-oo-about-intentional-and-indiscriminate-attacks-of-myanma-tatmadaw-on-non-military-targets/ |archive-date=27 December 2020}}</ref> |
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The United States has [[United States sanctions|imposed sanctions]] against Min Aung Hlaing. In July 2019, the [[Federal government of the United States|U.S. government]] banned him from travel to the United States.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=US Tightens Sanctions on Myanmar Army Chief |url=https://www.voanews.com/east-asia-pacific/us-tightens-sanctions-myanmar-army-chief |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108091251/https://www.voanews.com/east-asia-pacific/us-tightens-sanctions-myanmar-army-chief |archive-date=8 January 2021 |access-date=11 January 2021 |website=Voice of America |language=en}}</ref> In December 2020, it froze Min Aung Hlaing's American-based assets and criminalized financial transactions between him and anyone in the United States.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Treasury Sanctions Individuals for Roles in Atrocities and Other Abuses |url=https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm852 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201207144752/https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm852 |archive-date=7 December 2020 |access-date=11 January 2021 |website=U.S. Department of the Treasury}}</ref> |
The United States has [[United States sanctions|imposed sanctions]] against Min Aung Hlaing. In July 2019, the [[Federal government of the United States|U.S. government]] banned him from travel to the [[United States]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=US Tightens Sanctions on Myanmar Army Chief |url=https://www.voanews.com/east-asia-pacific/us-tightens-sanctions-myanmar-army-chief |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108091251/https://www.voanews.com/east-asia-pacific/us-tightens-sanctions-myanmar-army-chief |archive-date=8 January 2021 |access-date=11 January 2021 |website=Voice of America |language=en}}</ref> In December 2020, it froze Min Aung Hlaing's American-based assets and criminalized financial transactions between him and anyone in the United States.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Treasury Sanctions Individuals for Roles in Atrocities and Other Abuses |url=https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm852 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201207144752/https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm852 |archive-date=7 December 2020 |access-date=11 January 2021 |website=U.S. Department of the Treasury}}</ref> |
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==Sanctions== |
==Sanctions== |
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The [[United States Department of the Treasury|U.S. Department of the Treasury]] has imposed [[International sanctions|sanctions]] on Min Aung Hlaing since 10 December 2019, pursuant to Executive Order 13818, which builds upon and implements the [[Magnitsky Act|Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act]] and targets perpetrators of serious human rights abuse and corruption. He has committed serious human rights abuse against members of ethnic minority groups across |
The [[United States Department of the Treasury|U.S. Department of the Treasury]] has imposed [[International sanctions|sanctions]] on Min Aung Hlaing since 10 December 2019, pursuant to Executive Order 13818, which builds upon and implements the [[Magnitsky Act|Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act]] and targets [[perpetrators]] of serious [[human rights abuse]] and [[corruption]]. He has committed [[Human rights abuse|serious human rights abuse]] against members of [[List of ethnic groups in Myanmar|ethnic minority groups]] across [[Myanmar]]. This [[US sanctions]] include a [[Asset freezing|freezing of assets]] under the [[US]] and a ban on transactions with any [[United States person|US person]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 December 2019 |title=Treasury Sanctions Individuals for Roles in Atrocities and Other Abuses |url=https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm852 |access-date=12 April 2021 |publisher=U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY |archive-date=7 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201207144752/https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm852 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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About one year later, 11 February 2021 — following the 1 February 2021 coup led by Hlaing — he was also placed on the sanctions list of the [[Office of Foreign Assets Control|OFAC]] pursuant to Executive Order 14014, in response to the [[2021 Myanmar coup d'état| |
About one year later, 11 February 2021 — following the [[2021 Myanmar coup d'état|1 February 2021 coup]] led by Hlaing — he was also placed on the sanctions list of the [[Office of Foreign Assets Control|OFAC]] pursuant to Executive Order 14014, in response to the [[2021 Myanmar coup d'état|Myanmar's military coup]] against the democratically elected [[Win Myint's Cabinet|civilian government]] of [[Myanmar]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 February 2021 |title=United States Targets Leaders of Burma's Military Coup Under New Executive Order |url=https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0024 |access-date=4 April 2021 |publisher=The [[U.S. Department of the Treasury]] |archive-date=13 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413013825/https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0024 |url-status=live }}</ref> Shortly thereafter, 25 March 2021, OFAC also sanctioned some of the companies that Hlaing and/or his associates owned or controlled, including the [[Myanma Economic Holdings Limited|MEC]] [[Conglomerate (company)|conglomerate]] headed by Hlaing.<ref name="treasury_sanctions_2021_03_25_treasury_gov">[https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0078 press release: "Treasury Sanctions Military Holding Companies in Burma,"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126220244/https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0078 |date=26 January 2022 }} 25 March 2021, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), [[U.S. Treasury Department]], retrieved 28 December 2021</ref> |
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The [[Government of Canada]] has imposed sanctions on him since 18 February 2021, pursuant to Special Economic Measures Act and Special Economic Measures (Burma) Regulations, in response to the gravity of the human rights and humanitarian situation in Myanmar (formerly Burma). Canadian sanctions include a freezing of assets under Canada and a ban on transactions with any Canadian person.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 June 1992 |title=Special Economic Measures Act (S.C. 1992, c. 17) |url=https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/s-14.5/page-1.html |access-date=11 April 2021 |website=Justice Laws Website |archive-date=7 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130507125733/https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/s-14.5/page-1.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=18 February 2021 |title=Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Burma) Regulations: SOR/2021-18 |url=https://gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p2/2021/2021-03-03/html/sor-dors18-eng.html |access-date=11 April 2021 |website=The [[Government of Canada]] |archive-date=11 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411014919/https://gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p2/2021/2021-03-03/html/sor-dors18-eng.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
The [[Government of Canada]] has imposed sanctions on him since 18 February 2021, pursuant to Special Economic Measures Act and Special Economic Measures (Burma) Regulations, in response to the gravity of the [[human rights]] and humanitarian situation in [[Myanmar]] (formerly [[Burma]]). Canadian sanctions include a [[freezing of assets]] under [[Canada]] and a ban on transactions with any [[Canadian person]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 June 1992 |title=Special Economic Measures Act (S.C. 1992, c. 17) |url=https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/s-14.5/page-1.html |access-date=11 April 2021 |website=Justice Laws Website |archive-date=7 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130507125733/https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/s-14.5/page-1.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=18 February 2021 |title=Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Burma) Regulations: SOR/2021-18 |url=https://gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p2/2021/2021-03-03/html/sor-dors18-eng.html |access-date=11 April 2021 |website=The [[Government of Canada]] |archive-date=11 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411014919/https://gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p2/2021/2021-03-03/html/sor-dors18-eng.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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[[HM Treasury]] and the [[Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office]] of the [[United Kingdom]] have imposed sanctions on him since 25 February 2021, for his responsibility for serious human rights violations in |
[[HM Treasury]] and the [[Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office]] of the [[United Kingdom]] have imposed sanctions on him since 25 February 2021, for his responsibility for [[Human rights violations|serious human rights violations]] in [[Myanmar]]. The [[United Kingdom sanctions|UK sanctions]] include a [[freezing of assets]] under the [[UK]] and [[travel ban|a ban on entry or transit]] to the UK.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Raab |first=Dominic |date=25 February 2021 |title=UK sanctions further Myanmar military figures for role in coup: 25 February 2021:Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab announces further sanctions against members of Myanmar's State Administration Council. |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-sanctions-further-myanmar-military-figures-for-role-in-coup-february-25-2021#:~:text=The%20Foreign%20Secretary%2C%20Dominic%20Raab,rights%20violations%20since%20the%20coup. |access-date=7 April 2021 |publisher=[[Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office]] |archive-date=25 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225140648/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-sanctions-further-myanmar-military-figures-for-role-in-coup-february-25-2021#:~:text=The%20Foreign%20Secretary%2C%20Dominic%20Raab,rights%20violations%20since%20the%20coup. |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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Furthermore, the [[Council of the European Union]] has imposed sanctions on him since 22 March 2021, pursuant to Council Regulation (EU) 2021/479 and Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/480 which amended Council Regulation (EU) No 401/2013, for his responsibility for the military coup and the subsequent military and police repression against peaceful demonstrators. The EU sanctions include a freezing of assets under [[Member state of the European Union|member countries of the EU]] and a ban on entry or transit to the countries.<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 March 2021 |title=Myanmar/Burma: EU sanctions 11 people over the recent military coup and ensuing repression |url=https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2021/03/22/myanmar-burma-eu-sanctions-11-people-over-the-recent-military-coup-and-ensuing-repression/ |access-date=11 April 2021 |publisher=The [[Council of the European Union]] |archive-date=22 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210322121548/https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2021/03/22/myanmar-burma-eu-sanctions-11-people-over-the-recent-military-coup-and-ensuing-repression/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=22 March 2021 |title=Official Journal of the European Union |url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:L:2021:099I:FULL&from=EN |access-date=11 April 2021 |pages=15–24 |archive-date=26 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210326175005/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:L:2021:099I:FULL&from=EN |url-status=live }}</ref> |
Furthermore, the [[Council of the European Union]] has imposed [[Sanctions against Burma|sanctions]] on him since 22 March 2021, pursuant to Council Regulation (EU) 2021/479 and Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/480 which amended Council Regulation (EU) No 401/2013, for his responsibility for the [[2021 Myanmar coup d'état|military coup]] and the subsequent military and police repression against [[Myanmar protests (2021–present)|peaceful demonstrators]]. The [[European Union sanctions|EU sanctions]] include a [[freezing of assets]] under [[Member state of the European Union|member countries of the EU]] and a ban on entry or transit to the countries.<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 March 2021 |title=Myanmar/Burma: EU sanctions 11 people over the recent military coup and ensuing repression |url=https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2021/03/22/myanmar-burma-eu-sanctions-11-people-over-the-recent-military-coup-and-ensuing-repression/ |access-date=11 April 2021 |publisher=The [[Council of the European Union]] |archive-date=22 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210322121548/https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2021/03/22/myanmar-burma-eu-sanctions-11-people-over-the-recent-military-coup-and-ensuing-repression/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=22 March 2021 |title=Official Journal of the European Union |url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:L:2021:099I:FULL&from=EN |access-date=11 April 2021 |pages=15–24 |archive-date=26 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210326175005/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:L:2021:099I:FULL&from=EN |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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== Personal life == |
== Personal life == |
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Min Aung Hlaing married [[Kyu Kyu Hla]], a retired lecturer, in 1980.<ref>{{Cite web |title=တပ်မတော် ကာကွယ်ရေးဦးစီးချုပ် ယာဘက် လက်သူကြွယ် ခွဲစိတ်မှုအောင်မြင် |url=https://lotaya.mpt.com.mm/news/d/politics/17932 |url-status=live |access-date=3 February 2021 |website=Lotaya |language=my |archive-date=21 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210221164730/https://lotaya.mpt.com.mm/news/d/politics/17932 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Commander-in-chief of Myanmar Defence Forces visits Eastern Naval Command |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/commander-in-chief-of-myanmar-defence-forces-visits-eastern-naval-command/articleshow/59565317.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live |access-date=11 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201053647/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/commander-in-chief-of-myanmar-defence-forces-visits-eastern-naval-command/articleshow/59565317.cms?from=mdr |archive-date=1 February 2021}}</ref> He has several children, including son [[Aung Pyae Sone]] and daughter [[Khin Thiri Thet Mon]].<ref name=":2" /> |
Min Aung Hlaing married [[Kyu Kyu Hla]], a retired [[lecturer]], in 1980.<ref>{{Cite web |title=တပ်မတော် ကာကွယ်ရေးဦးစီးချုပ် ယာဘက် လက်သူကြွယ် ခွဲစိတ်မှုအောင်မြင် |url=https://lotaya.mpt.com.mm/news/d/politics/17932 |url-status=live |access-date=3 February 2021 |website=Lotaya |language=my |archive-date=21 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210221164730/https://lotaya.mpt.com.mm/news/d/politics/17932 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Commander-in-chief of Myanmar Defence Forces visits Eastern Naval Command |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/commander-in-chief-of-myanmar-defence-forces-visits-eastern-naval-command/articleshow/59565317.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live |access-date=11 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201053647/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/commander-in-chief-of-myanmar-defence-forces-visits-eastern-naval-command/articleshow/59565317.cms?from=mdr |archive-date=1 February 2021}}</ref> He has several children, including son [[Aung Pyae Sone]] and daughter [[Khin Thiri Thet Mon]].<ref name=":2" /> |
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==Promotions== |
==Promotions== |
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===Domestic honors === |
===Domestic honors === |
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On 17 April 2022, Min Aung Hlaing gave himself Myanmar's two highest titles; ''[[Order of the Union of Burma|Thadoe Thiri Thudhamma]]'' (The Most Glorious Order of Truth) and ''[[Order of the Union of Burma|Thadoe Maha Thray Sithu]]'' (the Order of the Union of Myanmar).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mike |date=2022-04-25 |title=Analysis {{!}} Myanmar Junta Chief Reveals His Egotism by Awarding Himself Honorary Titles |url=https://www.irrawaddy.com/opinion/analysis/myanmar-junta-chief-reveals-his-egotism-by-awarding-himself-honorary-titles.html |access-date=2023-03-07 |website=The Irrawaddy |language=en-US |archive-date=7 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307131041/https://www.irrawaddy.com/opinion/analysis/myanmar-junta-chief-reveals-his-egotism-by-awarding-himself-honorary-titles.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sai |first=Ko |date=2022-04-18 |title=Myanmar Regime Leader Awards Himself Two Highest Honorary Titles |url=https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-regime-leader-awards-himself-two-highest-honorary-titles.html |access-date=2023-03-07 |website=The Irrawaddy |language=en-US |archive-date=7 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307131038/https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-regime-leader-awards-himself-two-highest-honorary-titles.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
On 17 April 2022, Min Aung Hlaing gave himself [[Myanmar]]'s two highest [[Title|titles]]; ''[[Order of the Union of Burma|Thadoe Thiri Thudhamma]]'' ([[Thiri Thudhamma Thingaha|The Most Glorious Order of Truth]]) and ''[[Order of the Union of Burma|Thadoe Maha Thray Sithu]]'' ([[Maha Tharay Sithu|the Order of the Union of Myanmar]]).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mike |date=2022-04-25 |title=Analysis {{!}} Myanmar Junta Chief Reveals His Egotism by Awarding Himself Honorary Titles |url=https://www.irrawaddy.com/opinion/analysis/myanmar-junta-chief-reveals-his-egotism-by-awarding-himself-honorary-titles.html |access-date=2023-03-07 |website=The Irrawaddy |language=en-US |archive-date=7 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307131041/https://www.irrawaddy.com/opinion/analysis/myanmar-junta-chief-reveals-his-egotism-by-awarding-himself-honorary-titles.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sai |first=Ko |date=2022-04-18 |title=Myanmar Regime Leader Awards Himself Two Highest Honorary Titles |url=https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-regime-leader-awards-himself-two-highest-honorary-titles.html |access-date=2023-03-07 |website=The Irrawaddy |language=en-US |archive-date=7 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307131038/https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-regime-leader-awards-himself-two-highest-honorary-titles.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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On 7 October 2019, the [[Young Men's Buddhist Association (Burma)|Young Men's Buddhist Association]] (YMBA) awarded him the title of ''Mingaladhamma Zawtika Dhaza'' and the permanent patron of [[Young Men's Buddhist Association (Burma)|YMBA]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=7 October 2019 |title=ဗိုလ်ချုပ်မှူးကြီးမင်းအောင်လှိုင်ကို YMBA က ရာသက်ပန်နာယကကြီးဘွဲ့ ပေးအပ် |language=my |work=Myanmar NOW |url=https://myanmar-now.org/mm/news/2641 |url-status=live |access-date=10 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201053652/https://www.myanmar-now.org/mm/news/2641 |archive-date=1 February 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=10 October 2019 |title=တပ်ချုပ်ကို ဆုပေးသင့်ပေးထိုက်လို့ ဖော်ထုတ်ပြီးပေးတာပါလို့ YMBAအသင်းကရှင်း |language=my |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/burmese/burma-50004503 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201053649/https://www.bbc.com/burmese/burma-50004503 |archive-date=1 February 2021}}</ref> On 9 December 2020, YMBA awarded him the title of ''Thado Thiri Agga Maha Mingalar Zawtika''.<ref>{{Cite news |date=9 December 2020 |title=YMBA က ဗိုလ်ချုပ်မှူးကြီးမင်းအောင်လှိုင်ကို သတိုးသီရိ အဂ္ဂမဟာမင်္ဂလဇောတိကဓဇ ဘွဲ့ချီးမြှင့် |language=my |work=DVB |url=http://burmese.dvb.no/archives/428120 |url-status=live |access-date=10 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201053805/http://burmese.dvb.no/archives/428120 |archive-date=1 February 2021}}</ref> |
On 7 October 2019, the [[Young Men's Buddhist Association (Burma)|Young Men's Buddhist Association]] ([[YMBA]]) awarded him the title of ''Mingaladhamma Zawtika Dhaza'' and the permanent patron of [[Young Men's Buddhist Association (Burma)|YMBA]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=7 October 2019 |title=ဗိုလ်ချုပ်မှူးကြီးမင်းအောင်လှိုင်ကို YMBA က ရာသက်ပန်နာယကကြီးဘွဲ့ ပေးအပ် |language=my |work=Myanmar NOW |url=https://myanmar-now.org/mm/news/2641 |url-status=live |access-date=10 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201053652/https://www.myanmar-now.org/mm/news/2641 |archive-date=1 February 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=10 October 2019 |title=တပ်ချုပ်ကို ဆုပေးသင့်ပေးထိုက်လို့ ဖော်ထုတ်ပြီးပေးတာပါလို့ YMBAအသင်းကရှင်း |language=my |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/burmese/burma-50004503 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201053649/https://www.bbc.com/burmese/burma-50004503 |archive-date=1 February 2021}}</ref> On 9 December 2020, [[YMBA]] awarded him the title of ''Thado Thiri Agga Maha Mingalar Zawtika''.<ref>{{Cite news |date=9 December 2020 |title=YMBA က ဗိုလ်ချုပ်မှူးကြီးမင်းအောင်လှိုင်ကို သတိုးသီရိ အဂ္ဂမဟာမင်္ဂလဇောတိကဓဇ ဘွဲ့ချီးမြှင့် |language=my |work=DVB |url=http://burmese.dvb.no/archives/428120 |url-status=live |access-date=10 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201053805/http://burmese.dvb.no/archives/428120 |archive-date=1 February 2021}}</ref> |
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[[File:Thai_delegation_with_Burmese_SPDC.jpg|thumb|right|[[Foreign relations of Thailand|Thai delegation]] with members of the [[State Peace and Development Council]] (SPDC), including Min Aung Hlaing (third from the right), [[Senior general (Myanmar)|Senior General]] [[Than Shwe]] (first from the right), [[Vice senior general|Vice-Senior General]] [[Maung Aye]] (second from the left), [[Burmese names|Thura]] [[Shwe Mann]] (to the left of the middle), and [[Thein Sein]] (first from the left), at the Zeyathiri Beikman, [[Naypyidaw]] on 11 October 2010.]] |
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===Foreign honours=== |
===Foreign honours=== |
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*2013 - {{Flag|Thailand}}: [[File:Order of the Crown of Thailand - 1st Class (Thailand) ribbon.svg|60px]] The Most Noble [[Order of the Crown of Thailand]], Knight Grand Cross (1st Class), Thailand<ref>{{Cite web |date=31 May 2013 |title=Burmese Military Chief Receives Top Thai Honor |url=https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/burmese-military-chief-receives-top-thai-honor.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190531195157/https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/burmese-military-chief-receives-top-thai-honor.html |archive-date=31 May 2019 |access-date=1 June 2019 |website=The Irrawaddy |language=en-US}}</ref> |
*2013 - {{Flag|Thailand}}: [[File:Order of the Crown of Thailand - 1st Class (Thailand) ribbon.svg|60px]] The Most Noble [[Order of the Crown of Thailand]], Knight Grand Cross (1st Class), Thailand<ref>{{Cite web |date=31 May 2013 |title=Burmese Military Chief Receives Top Thai Honor |url=https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/burmese-military-chief-receives-top-thai-honor.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190531195157/https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/burmese-military-chief-receives-top-thai-honor.html |archive-date=31 May 2019 |access-date=1 June 2019 |website=The Irrawaddy |language=en-US}}</ref> |
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*2018 - {{Flag|Malaysia}}: [[File:Darjah Panglima Gagah Angkatan Tentera.png|60px]] The Most Gallant Order of Military Service, Gallant Commander of the Malaysian Armed Forces (Darjah Panglima Gagah Angkatan Tentera), Honorary Malaysian Armed Forces Order for Valor (1st Degree), Malaysia.<ref>{{Cite news |date=January 2018 |title=MALAYSIA: REVOKE MILITARY AWARDS GIVEN TO MIN AUNG HLAING |work=Burma Campaign UK |url=https://burmacampaign.org.uk/malaysia-revoke-military-awards-given-to-min-aung-hlaing/ |access-date=8 April 2021 |via=www.burmacampaign.org.uk |archive-date=26 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180226111745/https://burmacampaign.org.uk/malaysia-revoke-military-awards-given-to-min-aung-hlaing/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
*2018 - {{Flag|Malaysia}}: [[File:Darjah Panglima Gagah Angkatan Tentera.png|60px]] The Most [[Orders, decorations, and medals of Malaysia|Gallant Order of Military Service]], Gallant Commander of the Malaysian Armed Forces (Darjah Panglima Gagah Angkatan Tentera), Honorary Malaysian Armed Forces Order for Valor (1st Degree), Malaysia.<ref>{{Cite news |date=January 2018 |title=MALAYSIA: REVOKE MILITARY AWARDS GIVEN TO MIN AUNG HLAING |work=Burma Campaign UK |url=https://burmacampaign.org.uk/malaysia-revoke-military-awards-given-to-min-aung-hlaing/ |access-date=8 April 2021 |via=www.burmacampaign.org.uk |archive-date=26 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180226111745/https://burmacampaign.org.uk/malaysia-revoke-military-awards-given-to-min-aung-hlaing/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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*2018 - {{Flag|Thailand}}: [[File:Order of the White Elephant - 1st Class (Thailand) ribbon.svg|60px]] The Most Exalted [[Order of the White Elephant]], Knight Grand Cross (1st Class), Thailand<ref>{{Cite news |date=17 February 2018 |title=Thailand decorates Myanmar's army chief amid Rohingya crisis |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://ca.reuters.com/article/topNews/idCAKCN1G01D1-OCATP |url-status=live |access-date=1 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190601082721/https://ca.reuters.com/article/topNews/idCAKCN1G01D1-OCATP |archive-date=1 June 2019}}</ref> |
*2018 - {{Flag|Thailand}}: [[File:Order of the White Elephant - 1st Class (Thailand) ribbon.svg|60px]] The Most Exalted [[Order of the White Elephant]], Knight Grand Cross (1st Class), Thailand<ref>{{Cite news |date=17 February 2018 |title=Thailand decorates Myanmar's army chief amid Rohingya crisis |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://ca.reuters.com/article/topNews/idCAKCN1G01D1-OCATP |url-status=live |access-date=1 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190601082721/https://ca.reuters.com/article/topNews/idCAKCN1G01D1-OCATP |archive-date=1 June 2019}}</ref> |
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*2020 - {{Flag|Russia}}: [[File:RUS For Strengthening Military Cooperation Medal ribbon 2017.svg|frameless|60px]] Medal "For strengthening the military commonwealth" (Ministry of Defense, Russia)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Military chief awarded Medal of the Ministry of Defence of Russia |url=https://elevenmyanmar.com/news/military-chief-awarded-medal-of-the-ministry-of-defence-of-russia |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630073400/https://elevenmyanmar.com/news/military-chief-awarded-medal-of-the-ministry-of-defence-of-russia |archive-date=30 June 2020 |access-date=30 June 2020 |website=Eleven Media Group Co., Ltd |language=en}}</ref> |
*2020 - {{Flag|Russia}}: [[File:RUS For Strengthening Military Cooperation Medal ribbon 2017.svg|frameless|60px]] Medal "For strengthening the military commonwealth" (Ministry of Defense, Russia)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Military chief awarded Medal of the Ministry of Defence of Russia |url=https://elevenmyanmar.com/news/military-chief-awarded-medal-of-the-ministry-of-defence-of-russia |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630073400/https://elevenmyanmar.com/news/military-chief-awarded-medal-of-the-ministry-of-defence-of-russia |archive-date=30 June 2020 |access-date=30 June 2020 |website=Eleven Media Group Co., Ltd |language=en}}</ref> |
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Revision as of 10:00, 14 July 2024
Min Aung Hlaing (Burmese: မင်းအောင်လှိုင်; pronounced [mɪ́ɰ̃ àʊɰ̃ l̥àɪɰ̃]; born 3 July 1956) is a Burmese army general who has ruled Myanmar as the chairman of the State Administration Council (SAC) since seizing power in the February 2021 coup d'état. He additionally appointed himself Prime Minister of Myanmar in August 2021. He has led the Tatmadaw (armed forces of Myanmar), an independent branch of government, as the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services since March 2011, when he was handpicked to succeed longtime military ruler Senior General Than Shwe, who transferred leadership over the country to a civilian government upon retiring.[4][5][6] Before assuming leadership over the Tatmadaw, Min Aung Hlaing served as Joint Chief of Staff from 2010 to 2011.
Born in Minbu, Magway Region, Burma, Min Aung Hlaing studied law at the Rangoon Arts and Science University before joining the military. Rising through its ranks, he became a senior general (five-star general) by 2013.[7][better source needed] During the period of civilian rule from 2011 to 2021, Min Aung Hlaing worked to ensure the military's continued role in politics and forestalled the peace process with ethnic armed groups. A United Nations fact-finding mission found he deliberately perpetrated the Rohingya genocide. He maintained an adversarial relationship with democratically-elected State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, though she defended him against genocide charges.[8]
Min Aung Hlaing baselessly claimed widespread voting irregularities and electoral fraud in the 2020 Myanmar general election, in which Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) won a landslide re-election. He then seized power from her in the 2021 coup.[9][10][11] He had been expected to run for President of Myanmar had the military proxy party, the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), won enough seats in parliament to elect him, and would have been required to retire as Commander-in-Chief due to a statutory age limit.[12] With the outbreak of mass protests against his rule, Min Aung Hlaing ordered a clampdown and suppression of demonstrations,[13] sparking an ongoing civil war.[14]
Min Aung Hlaing's forces have employed scorched earth tactics in the civil war, including airstrikes on civilians.[15][16] He has ordered the execution of prominent pro-democracy activists, the first use of the death penalty in decades.[17][18] In February 2024, he activated Myanmar's conscription law to draft 60,000 young people into the Tatmadaw.[19] In foreign policy, he has resisted influence from Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and relied on greater cooperation with Russia, China, and India.[20][21] In response to his human rights abuses and corruption, Min Aung Hlaing and his government have been subjected to an extensive series of international sanctions, returning Myanmar to its former status as a pariah state. The 2022 Democracy Index rated Myanmar under Min Aung Hlaing as the second-most authoritarian regime in the world, with only Afghanistan rated less democratic.[22]
Early life and education
Min Aung Hlaing was born on 3 July 1956 in Minbu, Magway Region, Burma (now Myanmar), to Khin Hlaing and Hla Mu, as the fourth of five children.[23] His parents were teachers from Dawei, in Tanintharyi Region.[24] His family moved to Mandalay as duty when he was 5 years old. His father, Khin Hlaing, was an artist.[25]
Min Aung Hlaing passed his matriculation exam in 1972 at Basic Education High School No.1 Latha (BEHS 1 Latha) of Rangoon (now Yangon).[26][27] He attended and studied law at the Rangoon Arts and Science University from 1973 to 1974. On his third attempt, he was admitted to the Defence Services Academy in 1974 as part of the 19th Intake, and he graduated in 1977.[28][29] According to classmates, Min Aung Hlaing was taciturn, and an unremarkable cadet.[30] He was reportedly shunned by classmates because of his reserved personality.[26]
Career
Following graduation, Min Aung Hlaing went on to serve in different command positions, rising slowly through the ranks.[30] Early in his career, military colleagues gave him a nickname referring to cat feces, "something deposited quietly but leaving a powerful stink."[31] As he rose through the ranks, Min Aung Hlaing earned a reputation as a hardliner.[26] His military work earned him the favour of Senior General Than Shwe.[32] Min Aung Hlaing is characterized as having a "big man" management style not conducive to collaboration or listening.[32]
In 2002, he was promoted to commander of the Triangle Regional Military Command in eastern Shan State and was a central figure in negotiations with two rebel groups, the United Wa State Army (UWSA) and the National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA).[26] Min Aung Hlaing was reportedly close with former Thai prime minister and a General Prem Tinsulanonda, considering Prem a father figure.[33][34]
Min Aung Hlaing supported the military crackdown of the Saffron Revolution in 2008.[26] He rose to prominence in 2009 after leading an offensive against the insurgent Myanmar Nationalities Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) in Kokang.[35] In June 2010, Min Aung Hlaing replaced General Shwe Mann as Joint Chief of Staff of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.[26]
As a Junior Officer
Min Aung Hlaing graduated from the Defence Services Academy (DSA) in 1977 with the 19th intake. After graduation, he was assigned to the No. (313) Light Infantry Battalion (Hmawbi), then known as the No. (1) Shan Rifle Battalion, under the command of the No. (77) Light Infantry Division. Former President of Myanmar Thein Sein was also assigned to this battalion, and former Director of Defence Service Intelligence General Khin Nyunt served as a company commander in the same unit. In an interview with Popular News Journal ahead of the November 2020 election, Min Aung Hlaing stated, "I was raised in the Shan 1."
In 1979, during an offensive known as Operation Min Yan Aung (Victorious King) against the Communist Party of Burma (CPB) in what is now Matman Township in Wa State, east of the Thanlwin River, Min Aung Hlaing served as an Intelligence Officer (IO) ranked as a Lieutenant at 23 years old.
In 1989, as a Captain, Min Aung Hlaing took part in the Battle of Wan Kha Thit, better known as the Battle of Kawmoora. This battle was a clash between army troops controlled by then-leader Than Shwe and the Karen National Union (KNU). Due to the base's difficult position to attack, the Myanmar military repeatedly assaulted it throughout 1989 but failed to seize it, halting operations in 1990 after suffering hundreds of casualties.
To ward off harm from enemy shells and bullets, Min Aung Hlaing carried a Buddha statue in his bag of topographic maps worn across his chest. Despite making speeches for officer cadets to be brave soldiers like him, he did not lead any missions against KNU troops.
Min Aung Hlaing participated in two major battles as a junior officer. Near the front line, he was known to carry a Buddha figurine.[36]
As a Battalion Commander
Min Aung Hlaing served as a Battalion Officer Commanding, ranked as a Major, at the No. (369) Light Infantry Battalion (Homalin) under the Regional Operations Command (Kalay) of the Northwestern Regional Military Command. During his tenure, he imprisoned the pregnant wife of a sergeant who was deemed to have deserted the battalion. At that time, the General Officer Commanding of the Regional Operations Command (Kalay) was Brigadier General Thura Aung Ko, and the Tactical Operation Command Officer Commanding was Colonel Kyaw Thu.
During an inspection, Colonel Kyaw Thu discovered the woman locked in the battalion prison and questioned Major Min Aung Hlaing about the situation. Min Aung Hlaing explained that she was imprisoned because her husband had deserted. Colonel Kyaw Thu responded, "Do not do such a thing. Release her now."[37] The woman was subsequently released.
The actions taken by Min Aung Hlaing during his time as a Battalion Commander have been noted in various accounts.[38]
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces
2011–2015: Union Solidarity and Development Party rule
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0f/The_Commander-in-Chief_of_Defence_Services%2C_Myanmar%2C_Senior_General_Min_Aung_Hlaing_calling_on_the_Prime_Minister%2C_Shri_Narendra_Modi%2C_in_New_Delhi_on_July_29%2C_2015.jpg/220px-thumbnail.jpg)
In the lead-up to 2011, the military began embarking on a series of political reforms to transition Myanmar to a quasi-democracy. The ruling junta, the State Peace and Development Council (SPDP), engineered its formal departure from power, after holding the 2010 Myanmar general election, which was won by the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), the military's proxy party. On 30 March 2011, outgoing head of state, Senior General Than Shwe, then the incumbent Commander-in-Chief of Myanmar's Armed Forces, appointed Min Aung Hlaing as his successor, ahead of more senior officers.[39][40] Min Aung Hlaing's appointment coincided with USDP's rise to power, during which he oversaw a series of military reforms, and supported efforts by the USDP-led government to strike peace deals with ethnic armed groups.[39]
In November 2011, according to The Irrawaddy News, it was "widely believed" that following Min Aung Hlaing's meetings with Chinese military officials that month and his leadership in creating a bilateral agreement on defense cooperation with the Chinese, he had also held talks with Chinese vice-president Xi Jinping regarding cooperation from China with respect to the Kachin Conflict.[35]
On 27 March 2012, during a speech in Naypyidaw, Min Aung Hlaing defended the military's continued role in national politics.[35][41] On 3 April 2012, the Government of Myanmar announced that Min Aung Hlaing had been promoted to vice-senior general (four-star general), the second highest rank in Myanmar's Armed Forces.[35] He was promoted to the rank of senior general (five-star general), the highest rank in Myanmar's Armed Forces in March 2013.
In 2014, as Min Aung Hlaing approached the age of 60, which is the mandatory age of retirement for military officers, the Armed Forces' Department of Defence Council issued a directive, enabling Min Aung Hlaing to extend his mandatory retirement age to 65, in 2021.[42]
In August 2015, the USDP fractured, and President Thein Sein purged the faction led by Shwe Mann, a former general and Speaker of the Pyithu Hluttaw.[39] Min Aung Hlaing oversaw a direct military intervention to oust Shwe Mann from power, indicating the military's desire to continue furthering its agenda through USDP.[43] Shwe Mann had advocated for legislation and constitutional amendments that would have decreased the military's influence, against the interests of the military and USDP.[43]
2016–2020: Transition to National League for Democracy rule
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b8/President_Duterte_Meets_Myanmar_President_U_Htin_Kiaw%2C_Minister_For_Foreign_Affairs_Aung_San_Suu_Kyi%2C_Commander-in-Chief_Min_Aung_Hlaing_and_Myanmar-based_Filipino_Companies_09.jpg/220px-thumbnail.jpg)
The 2015 Myanmar general election saw the National League for Democracy (NLD), led by Aung San Suu Kyi, win in a landslide. With the transition from an USDP to NLD-led government, Min Aung Hlaing shifted his priorities to recovering state power for the military establishment.[39] His intransigence and refusal to cooperate with the civilian-led government undermined progress toward Myanmar's peace process.[39] As the NLD assumed power, Min Aung Hlaing began intensifying an ongoing military crackdown on the Rohingya, beginning in October 2016.[44][45] At the Union Peace Conference - 21st Century Panglong in August 2020, he sharply warned the NLD against scapegoating the military for its role in the ongoing ethnic conflicts.[46]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5c/Sergey_Shoigu_and_Min_Aung_Hlaing_%2820-01-2018%29.jpg/220px-Sergey_Shoigu_and_Min_Aung_Hlaing_%2820-01-2018%29.jpg)
Min Aung Hlaing also began to signal his interest in civilian politics.[39] He began assuming a more statesman-like persona, and became increasingly assertive about the military's role.[46][31] In the lead-up to the 2020 Myanmar general election, he worked with the USDP to position himself as the next President.[46] Throughout 2019, Min Aung Hlaing made several public appearances dubbed a "charm offensive," at several religious sites and charity functions,[47] raising speculation about his political ambitions.[48][42] To cultivate his public persona, he began two Facebook pages that commanded a combined following of 4.1 million followers.[49][50] In January 2020, Min Aung Hlaing met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Nay Pyi Taw. Xi Jinping promoted the practical cooperation under the framework of the One Belt One Road to achieve results at an early date and benefit Myanmar's people.[51] In May 2020, Min Aung Hlaing reshuffled senior military ranks, promoting a new generation of officers loyal to him, including Kyaw Swar Lin, who became the military's youngest lieutenant-general.[52]
War with the Arakan Army intensified during this period, and the military was accused of targeting Arakanese civilians and their properties. On 17 March 2019, Kyaw Zaw Oo, an Arakanese MP, published a bilingual open letter to Min Aung Hlaing about the many human rights violations of the Tatmadaw in Rakhine State that harmed the lives and property of civilians and damaged buildings of cultural heritage.[53][54]
2020–present
In February 2020, Min Aung Hlaing, his wife Kyu Kyu Hla and with his close astrologer Vasipake Sayadaw placed the "Hti" umbrella atop Bagan's most powerful ancient Htilominlo Temple. The meaning of the temple name is "need the royal umbrella, need the King". He was following in the footsteps of some of Myanmar's most powerful political figures including his predecessor, Senior General Than Shwe. Many people believed that the ceremony was a yadaya and seeking divine blessings for his glory.[55]
In November 2020, Min Aung Hlaing made a series of public comments questioning the legitimacy of the upcoming 2020 election, in potential violation of the Civil Services Personnel Law.[56] On 5 November, the Tatmadaw declared that Min Aung Hlaing's rank is equivalent to Vice President of Myanmar.[57] After casting his ballot in the 2020 election, Min Aung Hlaing vowed to accept the election results.[58] The 2020 election saw NLD win in a larger landslide than in 2015, forestalling Min Aung Hlaing's political ambitions. In response, the military began intensifying allegations of electoral fraud and irregularities, submitting formal complaints to the Union Election Commission (UEC). On 27 January 2021, Min Aung Hlaing publicly remarked that he would not rule out a coup d'état and abolition of the constitution, if allegations of voter fraud during last year's election were not adequately addressed.[59] These comments sparked concern about another potential coup in the country.[60] The following day, the Union Election Commission issued a statement rejecting claims of electoral fraud, citing the lack of evidence submitted to substantiate these claims.[61] On 29 January, the military issued clarifying statements pledging to protect and abide by the constitution and applicable laws.[62]
On 1 February 2021, Min Aung Hlaing detained elected leaders including President Win Myint, State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and declared himself as Commander-in-chief of Myanmar, one day before democratically-elected members of parliament were scheduled to be sworn in as members of the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (Assembly of the Union). The following day, he established the State Administration Council (SAC) as the country's interim ruling body.[63][64]
On 22 May 2021, Min Aung Hlaing gave his first interview since the coup to Hong Kong-based Chinese language Phoenix Television. During the interview, he referred to deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi and he said that she "is in good health. She is at her home and healthy. She is going to face trial at the court in a few days."[65] On the same day, Myanmar Now reported that shortly after the coup, Min Aung Hlaing appointed himself indefinitely as the commander-in-chief and therefore the de facto leader of Myanmar.[66]
Six months after the coup, on 1 August 2021, Min Aung Hlaing formed a caretaker government and established himself as the country's prime minister.[67][68][69] He also remains the Chairman of the State Administration Council (SAC).[70][71][72]
On 13 April 2023, Min Aung Hlaing was featured on TIME Magazine's list of the '100 Most Influential People of 2023.' [73] The acknowledgment highlighted his commanding presence during Myanmar's Armed Forces Day parade on 27 March 2023, emphasizing his control over the nation since the February 2021 coup d'état.[74] While controversies have arisen during his tenure, including a criticisms of specific campaigns and allegations of involvement in humanitarian concerns, his recognition reflects his significant impact on the nation.[75]
Myanmar civil war
After four pro-democracy activists were executed on 24 July 2022, the chairman of the ASEAN, Hun Sen, UN representatives, and Western leaders condemned the executions.[76][77] On 7 September 2022, Min Aung Hlaing met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of an economic meeting in Eastern Economic Forum (EEF), in Vladivostok, eastern Russia, the first time that the pair have met since the coup.[78]
In January 2023, Min Aung Hlaing enacted a new electoral law aimed at rigging the next general election in favor of the military proxy party, the Union Solidarity and Development party (USDP).[79][80] He is himself considered a likely USDP nominee for President of Myanmar in the subsequent presidential election.[81]
Min Aung Hlaing refused to give up his emergency powers when they were constitutionally set to expire on 1 February 2023, further delaying new elections.[82][83]
In March 2023, Min Aung Hlaing made a rare public appearance at the Armed Forces Day parade stating that his government would continue to fight back against resistance groups in the country and their "acts of terror". General Hlaing called his critics supporters of terrorism.[84]
Starting in January 2024, multiple pro-military figures condemned Min Aung Hlaing for incompetence and excessive self-interest after the Tatmadaw suffered an unprecedented string of defeats during Operation 1027.[85] In February 2024, to address the Tatmadaw's personnel issues, Min Aung Hlaing activated Myanmar's 1959 conscription law for the first time, with plans to draft 60,000 young men and women.[19][86] Men aged 18–35 and women aged 18–27 will be required to serve up to five years under the state of emergency, or face five years imprisonment.[87]
In March 2024, Min Aung Hlaing claimed at the Armed Forces Day parade young people are being tricked into supporting the resistance against the military, and accused "some powerful nations" of trying to interfere with Myanmar’s internal affairs.[88]
While attending the Defence Services Academy during Thingyan, the traditional Myanmar New Year Water Festival, Min Aung Hlaing, the leader of the military coup, found himself in the crosshairs of danger. On 14 April 2024, at 9 PM, the Mandalay People's Defence Force (MDY PDF) launched a rocket attack using 107mm rockets. The attack, which targeted Pyin Oo Lwin Military University and Military Technological University, was a brazen attempt to eliminate him. Over 20 rockets were fired, with 17 of them exploding, narrowly missing their target. This harrowing incident not only highlighted the grave security threats faced by military personnel but also underscored the volatile and tense atmosphere prevailing in Myanmar during that period, adding to the ongoing turmoil and instability in the country.[89]
According to SAC media, resistance groups in Yangon attempted to assassinate Min Aung Hlaing with explosives and firearms in June 2024. [90] [91]
Corruption
Min Aung Hlaing has courted enduring controversy for his family's extensive business assets and potential conflicts of interest.[92] He is a major shareholder in the army-owned Myanmar Economic Holdings Limited (MEHL). During the 2010–11 fiscal year, he had owned 5,000 shares and received an annual dividend of $250,000 (~$341,079 in 2023).[93] He sits on MEHL's Patron Group, which runs the conglomerate.[94]
Min Aung Hlaing's son, Aung Pyae Sone, owns a number of companies, including Sky One Construction Company and Aung Myint Mo Min Insurance Company.[95] He also has a majority stake in Mytel, a national telecoms carrier.[95] In 2013, his son Aung Pyae Sone won a no-bid government permit well below market rates, for a 30-year lease on land at the Yangon People's Park for a high-end restaurant and art gallery, following his father's promotion to Commander-in-Chief.[96] Aung Pyae Sone also runs A&M Mahar, which offers Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approvals and customs clearance services for drugs and medical devices.[97] Myanmar's customs department is led by Kyaw Htin, a former MEHL director.[97]
His daughter Khin Thiri Thet Mon founded a major film studio, 7th Sense Creation, in 2017.[98] That same year, his daughter-in-law, Myo Yadanar Htaik, founded another entertainment company, Stellar Seven Entertainment.[98] The American Embassy, Yangon came under media scrutiny in December 2020, for collaborating with 7th Sense Creation, because Min Aung Hlaing is technically subject to US economic sanctions.[99]
Rohingya genocide
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/01/Rohingya_language_map.png/220px-Rohingya_language_map.png)
The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) reported that Min Aung Hlaing's soldiers have been deliberately targeting civilians in Northern states of Myanmar and have been committing systemic discrimination and human rights violations against minority communities in Rakhine State.[100] In particular, he has been accused of ethnic cleansing against the Rohingya people.[101] These human rights violations could amount to genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes.[102]
In 2018, the United Nations Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar, led by Marzuki Darusman, determined that Min Aung Hlaing and other Myanmar's military generals oversaw atrocities against the Rohingya in Rakhine, Kachin and Shan States, and did so with genocidal intent.[103] The UN investigative panel said that Min Aung Hlaing, along with four other commanders (Soe Win, Aung Kyaw Zaw, Maung Maung Soe, and Than Oo) should be tried for war crimes and crimes against humanity (including genocide) in the International Criminal Court (ICC) or an ad hoc international tribunal.[103]
Facebook banned Min Aung Hlaing from its platform along with 19 other top Burmese officials and organisations to prevent further heated ethnic and religious tensions in Myanmar. This action followed a UN investigation's report that certain military leaders in Myanmar should be investigated and prosecuted for genocide over a crackdown on Rohingya Muslims.[104][105] Twitter later banned him on 16 May 2019.[106]
The United States has imposed sanctions against Min Aung Hlaing. In July 2019, the U.S. government banned him from travel to the United States.[107] In December 2020, it froze Min Aung Hlaing's American-based assets and criminalized financial transactions between him and anyone in the United States.[107][108]
Sanctions
The U.S. Department of the Treasury has imposed sanctions on Min Aung Hlaing since 10 December 2019, pursuant to Executive Order 13818, which builds upon and implements the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act and targets perpetrators of serious human rights abuse and corruption. He has committed serious human rights abuse against members of ethnic minority groups across Myanmar. This US sanctions include a freezing of assets under the US and a ban on transactions with any US person.[109]
About one year later, 11 February 2021 — following the 1 February 2021 coup led by Hlaing — he was also placed on the sanctions list of the OFAC pursuant to Executive Order 14014, in response to the Myanmar's military coup against the democratically elected civilian government of Myanmar.[110] Shortly thereafter, 25 March 2021, OFAC also sanctioned some of the companies that Hlaing and/or his associates owned or controlled, including the MEC conglomerate headed by Hlaing.[111]
The Government of Canada has imposed sanctions on him since 18 February 2021, pursuant to Special Economic Measures Act and Special Economic Measures (Burma) Regulations, in response to the gravity of the human rights and humanitarian situation in Myanmar (formerly Burma). Canadian sanctions include a freezing of assets under Canada and a ban on transactions with any Canadian person.[112][113]
HM Treasury and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office of the United Kingdom have imposed sanctions on him since 25 February 2021, for his responsibility for serious human rights violations in Myanmar. The UK sanctions include a freezing of assets under the UK and a ban on entry or transit to the UK.[114]
Furthermore, the Council of the European Union has imposed sanctions on him since 22 March 2021, pursuant to Council Regulation (EU) 2021/479 and Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/480 which amended Council Regulation (EU) No 401/2013, for his responsibility for the military coup and the subsequent military and police repression against peaceful demonstrators. The EU sanctions include a freezing of assets under member countries of the EU and a ban on entry or transit to the countries.[115][116]
Personal life
Min Aung Hlaing married Kyu Kyu Hla, a retired lecturer, in 1980.[117][118] He has several children, including son Aung Pyae Sone and daughter Khin Thiri Thet Mon.[98]
Promotions
Major General – 2008/2009[7][better source needed]
Lieutenant General – Late 2009[7][better source needed]
General – Early 2011[7][better source needed]
Vice-Senior General – Early 2012[7][better source needed]
Senior General – March 2013[7][better source needed]
Awards and decorations
Domestic honors
On 17 April 2022, Min Aung Hlaing gave himself Myanmar's two highest titles; Thadoe Thiri Thudhamma (The Most Glorious Order of Truth) and Thadoe Maha Thray Sithu (the Order of the Union of Myanmar).[119][120]
On 7 October 2019, the Young Men's Buddhist Association (YMBA) awarded him the title of Mingaladhamma Zawtika Dhaza and the permanent patron of YMBA.[121][122] On 9 December 2020, YMBA awarded him the title of Thado Thiri Agga Maha Mingalar Zawtika.[123]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4f/Thai_delegation_with_Burmese_SPDC.jpg/220px-Thai_delegation_with_Burmese_SPDC.jpg)
Foreign honours
- 2013 -
Thailand:
The Most Noble Order of the Crown of Thailand, Knight Grand Cross (1st Class), Thailand[124]
- 2018 -
Malaysia:
The Most Gallant Order of Military Service, Gallant Commander of the Malaysian Armed Forces (Darjah Panglima Gagah Angkatan Tentera), Honorary Malaysian Armed Forces Order for Valor (1st Degree), Malaysia.[125]
- 2018 -
Thailand:
The Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant, Knight Grand Cross (1st Class), Thailand[126]
- 2020 -
Russland:
Medal "For strengthening the military commonwealth" (Ministry of Defense, Russia)[127]
- 2020 -
Russland:
Badge of Honor of FSMTC "For the Merits in the Field of Military-Technical Cooperation"[128]
- 2023 -
Russland:
The Order of Alexander Nevsky for "his valuable endeavours to develop multi-sectoral cooperation with the Russian Federation"[129]
References
- ^ Press Release - Congratulatory Message of His Excellency Senior General Min Aung Hlaing (Published on August 22, 2023)
- ^ Wai Moe (24 May 2011). "Bangladesh Army Chief Visits Burma". The Irrawaddy. Archived from the original on 7 February 2023. Retrieved 7 February 2023.
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- ^ "ဗိုလ်ချုပ်မှူးကြီးမင်းအောင်လှိုင်ကို YMBA က ရာသက်ပန်နာယကကြီးဘွဲ့ ပေးအပ်". Myanmar NOW (in Burmese). 7 October 2019. Archived from the original on 1 February 2021. Retrieved 10 December 2020.
- ^ "တပ်ချုပ်ကို ဆုပေးသင့်ပေးထိုက်လို့ ဖော်ထုတ်ပြီးပေးတာပါလို့ YMBAအသင်းကရှင်း". BBC News (in Burmese). 10 October 2019. Archived from the original on 1 February 2021.
- ^ "YMBA က ဗိုလ်ချုပ်မှူးကြီးမင်းအောင်လှိုင်ကို သတိုးသီရိ အဂ္ဂမဟာမင်္ဂလဇောတိကဓဇ ဘွဲ့ချီးမြှင့်". DVB (in Burmese). 9 December 2020. Archived from the original on 1 February 2021. Retrieved 10 December 2020.
- ^ "Burmese Military Chief Receives Top Thai Honor". The Irrawaddy. 31 May 2013. Archived from the original on 31 May 2019. Retrieved 1 June 2019.
- ^ "MALAYSIA: REVOKE MILITARY AWARDS GIVEN TO MIN AUNG HLAING". Burma Campaign UK. January 2018. Archived from the original on 26 February 2018. Retrieved 8 April 2021 – via www.burmacampaign.org.uk.
- ^ "Thailand decorates Myanmar's army chief amid Rohingya crisis". Reuters. 17 February 2018. Archived from the original on 1 June 2019. Retrieved 1 June 2019.
- ^ "Military chief awarded Medal of the Ministry of Defence of Russia". Eleven Media Group Co., Ltd. Archived from the original on 30 June 2020. Retrieved 30 June 2020.
- ^ "Senior General Min Aung Hlaing – Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services". Official Website of the Defence. 4 November 2020. Archived from the original on 20 February 2021. Retrieved 8 April 2021.
- ^ "Russian Security Council Secretary presents Order of Alexander Nevsky to SAC Chairman Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, discussing enhanced bilateral cooperation". The Global New Light of Myanmar. 6 December 2023.
External links
Media related to Min Aung Hlaing at Wikimedia Commons
- Prime ministers of Myanmar
- 1956 births
- Living people
- Anti-Islam sentiment in Myanmar
- Burmese generals
- Burmese Theravada Buddhists
- Defence Services Academy alumni
- Far-right politics in Myanmar
- Genocide perpetrators
- People from Tanintharyi Region
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- Recipients of the Order of Alexander Nevsky