Retired military officer killed by urban guerrilla group in Myanmar

In Myanmar, on May 22, 2025, Cho Tun Aung, a retired high-ranking officer of the military, was assassinated by members of a self-proclaimed urban guerrilla group near his home in Yangon, the nation's largest city. The Golden Valley Warriors claimed responsibility for the attack, which occurred at approximately 9 a.m. as Cho stood outside his residence in Mayangon township. This incident marks a significant moment in the ongoing violence in the country, primarily escalating after the military's coup in 2021 that ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. Cho Tun Aung, who held the rank of major general, was also recognized for his previous role as Myanmar’s ambassador to Cambodia. At the time of his death, he was working as a lecturer on internal security and counterterrorism at the National Defense College in the capital city, Napyitaw. The Golden Valley Warriors justified the killing by claiming that Cho was involved in teaching military officers techniques that contributed to the atrocities committed by the military during the ongoing civil conflict. Since the military's takeover, there has been an upsurge in targeted assassinations against high-ranking military officials and collaborators, reflecting the deep divisions and violence that have consumed Myanmar. National resistance against military rule has intensified, with various militant groups increasing their activities in urban areas as well as the countryside. Previous victims of this wave of violence include senior civil servants and military-affiliated business figures. Notably, other high-ranking officers, like Brig. Gen. Ohn Thwin, have also been assassinated, indicating a broader strategy of targeting those considered complicit in the military's oppressive governance. The country remains engulfed in conflict, resulting in numerous civilian casualties and a humanitarian crisis exacerbated by both military and guerrilla actions. As tensions continue to rise, the ongoing fighting reflects not only a struggle for power but also a battle for the future of the nation itself. The Golden Valley Warriors, by carrying out such public acts of violence, aim to challenge the military's authority and underscore their position against the ruling government. This assassination serves as a grim reminder of the perilous situation in Myanmar and the persistent threats faced by individuals linked to the military establishment.