Suspects Arrested: 16 suspects arrested for terrorist acts in Yangon Region

Authorities have arrested members of the so-called Golden Valley Warrior terrorist group, who committed terrorist acts in Yangon Region. On May 22, retired Ambassador U Cho Tun Aung was killed by gunfire fired by two unidentified men while he was walking with his grandchild in front of his home in No. 5 Ward, Mayangone Township.

According to the investigation and a tip-off from the public, security forces arrested two suspects in North Okkalapa Township on May 23, along with the bicycle used in the incident. Further investigations led to the arrest of 14 additional suspects in Nyaung Oo Township, Mudon in Mon State, Bago Toll Gate, and Kyimyindaing and Thaketa Townships on May 25, 26, and 29 respectively, along with evidence related to the incident.

According to interrogations, the Golden Valley Warrior terrorist group was formed in March 2023 under the direction of fugitive Yee Mon from the NUG. The group aimed to carry out terrorist acts in Yangon and to kill those whom they held grudges against.

The leader of the Golden Valley Warrior, Ko Htet, remains at large. He is reported to have ordered the killing of the victim, providing necessary information such as a Google Map of the victim’s home and pistols. U Cho Htun Aung was attacked and shot four times with a pistol.

During the shooting, one bullet grazed and caused injury to left leg of the suspect. According to the confession, medical treatment for injuries was received at DCS hospital. Later, while attempting to flee with his family to Pakokku Township, he was arrested in Bagan Old City. According to the suspects’ statements, the terrorist group named Golden Valley Warrior, operating under the orders of the NUG fugitive Ye Mone, committed four attacks in Yangon Region, aimed at disrupting the state administration machinery and causing fear among innocent civilians.

According to the statements of the arrested suspects, the Golden Valley Warrior terrorist group committed attacks inside Yangon by accusing innocent civilians as informers and carrying out killings. It was revealed that the terrorist group NUG paid them 200,000 kyats per attack through NUG Pay for these violent acts.

Therefore, efforts will continue to take effective legal action against the arrested suspects. The public is urged to collectively protect and eliminate those engaged in terrorist activities. If anyone obtains secret information regarding the hideouts, movements, or whereabouts of related suspects, they are encouraged to confidentially report it to the relevant authorities. Informants and those who assist in arrests will be appropriately kept confidential and rewarded with incentives.