Narinjara News, 18 December 2024 

The military government has reorganized its senior leadership after recent setbacks in Arakan and Kachin. 

Admiral Tin Aung San has been relieved of his role as Minister of Defense and designated as Deputy Prime Minister and Union Minister in the Prime Minister's Office. 

General Maung Maung Aye, now serving as Chief of General Staff (Army, Navy, and Air), has been named to succeed Admiral Tin Aung San as Minister of Defense. 

Order No. 53/2024, issued by junta Secretary General Aung Lin Dwe on December 18, declares: “Pursuant to Article 419 of the Constitution, General Maung Maung Aye is designated as Deputy Prime Minister and Union Minister of Defense.” 

Admiral Tin Aung San, who had been the defense minister of the junta since his appointment in August of the prior year, was dismissed over a year later. 

General Maung Maung Aye, who took on the position of Chief of General Staff (Army, Navy, and Air) following the military coup, was named Minister of Defense on December 18. 

Lieutenant General Kyaw Swar Lin, presently the Chief of Staff (Army), has advanced to the position of Chief of General Staff (Army, Navy, and Air). Major General Than Htike, who served as Commander of the Northwest Command, has been named the new Chief of Staff (Army). 

In a different development, Major General Wai Lin, who led the Southwest Command, has been dismissed from his role and reassigned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Brigadier General Kyaw Soe Htet has been designated as the new commander of the Southwest Command. 

This reorganization of the junta's top military roles follows the setbacks faced by the regime in Arakan and Kachin.