MILITARY junta generalCaptured as Prisoner of War

High-Ranking Myanmar Commander Captured as Prisoner of War

Brigadier General Zin Myo Swe, commander of the Military Council's No. (19) Military Operations Command Headquarters in Chin State's Paletwa region, was captured alive as a prisoner of war on January 12, according to sources close to the Rakhine Army (AA) and the Narinjara News Agency. 

A Strategic Loss for the Military Council

Zin Myo Swe wasn't just the Operations Commander during the Paletwa battles; he was also the Operation's Strategic Leader. His capture marks a significant blow to the Military Council's efforts in the region. Arakan news sources confirmed that 33 other officers and soldiers, including a battalion commander, were also captured alongside Swe.

Second High-Ranking Prisoner of War

Zin Myo Swe is the second ground commander to be captured as a prisoner of war during "Operation 1027." Additionally, around 20 officers and soldiers, including another battalion commander, from the No.62 Infantry Battalion under the No.19 Military Operations Command Headquarter, are either missing or presumed captured in Paletwa since early January.

Military Council Facing Mounting Casualties

The No. (19) Military Operations Command Headquarters in Paletwa operates under the Southeast Regional Military Command. With operations ongoing across the country, the military Council's lower ranks are reportedly suffering heavy casualties and morale is collapsing. This is reflected in the high number of surrenders and captures among officers, including six brigadier generals (one deceased and two captured). 

Uncertain Future for the Military Council

The capture of high-ranking officers like Zin Myo Swe raises questions about the military council's ability to sustain its operations in the long term. With mounting casualties and declining morale, the junta may face increasing difficulty in maintaining control over the country.