Myanmar military arrests 6-year-old linked to general’s assassination

Myanmar’s military has drawn international condemnation after arresting a six-year-old girl, accusing her of being involved in a “terrorist” group.

According to reports, authorities arrested the child along with 15 others for allegedly plotting the assassination of a retired army general.

The junta-run Global New Light of Myanmar reported the arrest on Friday, June 6, 2025.

The military labelled the group, which includes the girl, as “terrorists” allegedly responsible for killing Brigadier General Cho Htun Aung in Yangon.

Cho Htun Aung, aged 68, was gunned down in broad daylight on May 22 in the country’s commercial capital.

He was a former ambassador and high-ranking officer with ties to recent military operations.

His assassination marks one of the boldest attacks since Myanmar’s 2021 military coup.

The junta claims that the suspects are affiliated with the Golden Valley Warriors, an anti-regime armed group that later claimed responsibility for the killing.

According to military reports, the alleged assassin received 200,000 Myanmar Kyat — about $95 — for carrying out the hit.

Authorities further claimed the Golden Valley Warriors operate under the backing of the National Unity Government (NUG).

The NUG is Myanmar’s shadow government formed by deposed lawmakers and pro-democracy activists following the coup.

The NUG has strongly denied the junta’s claims.

NUG spokesperson, Nay Phone Latt, said, “It is not true that we are paying people to kill other people.”

He called the junta’s accusations baseless and politically motivated.

Photos released by state media showed the arrested child identified as the daughter of the suspected shooter.

While official media blurred her face, junta-linked social media platforms circulated unedited images, exposing her identity.

This action has fueled global outrage and accusations of child rights violations.

Human rights activists swiftly condemned the military for targeting a minor.

Many described the arrest as a new low in the junta’s campaign of intimidation.

They argue that the child’s detention violates multiple international conventions protecting the rights of minors.

Since the military coup in February 2021, Myanmar has been gripped by civil unrest.

Pro-democracy protests have evolved into a full-blown resistance movement.

Ethnic militias and newly formed guerrilla groups have intensified attacks on regime targets, often bringing warfare into urban zones.

Meanwhile, the military continues its crackdown on dissent, using sweeping arrests, internet blackouts, and brutal force to silence opposition.

Thousands have been killed, and over 20,000 people have been arrested since the takeover.

International observers have called for immediate intervention, warning that Myanmar is spiraling further into lawlessness and human rights abuses.

The arrest of a six-year-old girl now serves as a symbol of the regime’s unchecked power and disregard for basic humanitarian principles.

Activists are urging the United Nations and world powers to increase pressure on the junta to release the child and halt its violent campaign.

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