Brigadier General Thurein Tun, the Commander of No. 15 Operations Command, who was stationed at the No. 5 Border Guard Police Battalion Headquarters in the old Myothugyi village at the entrance of Maungdaw town, is reported to have killed over fifty civilians in Maungdaw Township, according to sources from surrendering soldiers, released detainees, and ground-level informants.
He reportedly detained nearly one hundred civilians, including departmental staff, during the Maungdaw District battles. These detainees were allegedly forced to wear military uniforms and used as human shields on the frontlines, where they were subsequently killed, according to sources from surrendering soldiers, released detainees, and ground-level informants.
Additionally, it is reported that junta forces coerced detainees into wearing military uniforms and retrieving air-dropped supplies delivered by junta aircraft using parachutes. During these operations, some of the detainees were allegedly shot and killed by Arakan Army (AA) snipers, according to ground-level sources.
Furthermore, it is reported that some of the remaining detainees died due to starvation, dehydration, and lack of medical treatment. Thurein Tun is accused of committing war crimes and human rights violations against the civilians he had forcibly detained, according to ground-level sources.
“The junta and ARSA extremists forced detainees to wear military uniforms and act as human shields on the frontlines. They were also forced to collect air-dropped supplies delivered by parachutes. Some were executed for refusing to comply. All of this was carried out under the orders of Brigadier General Thurein Tun,” a witness who personally experienced these events at the No. 5 Border Guard Police Battalion told Border News Agency.
Those civilians were forcibly and unlawfully detained under the orders of Brigadier General Thurein Tun by junta troops, individuals claiming to be Rohingya armed groups, and Muslim militants who had completed military training.
According to local sources in Maungdaw, over one hundred detainees included junta departmental staff from education, healthcare, fire services, land administration, and municipal offices, as well as Muslims, Hindus, Mro, and Rakhine civilians.
The Arakan Army (AA) seized control of the No. 5 Border Guard Police Battalion at 9:30 a.m. on December 8. According to locals in Maungdaw, this allowed for the successful rescue of some civilians who had been unlawfully detained by junta forces.
According to locals in Maungdaw, the Arakan Army (AA) is providing medical treatment to those rescued who are in poor health. Once their conditions improve and their safety is assured, the Arakan People’s Government plans to reunite them with their families.
One of the individuals rescued by the Arakan Army (AA) and currently receiving medical treatment shared with Border News Agency: “I was beaten while detained at the Myothugyi Battalion. I was given only two dry tiny fish for food. I couldn’t drink enough water and went without sleep many nights. Some of us even lost our sanity due to the conditions.”
Thurein Tun, who is accused of committing war crimes, murders, and human rights violations, and of inciting ethnic and religious conflicts, has been captured by the Arakan Army (AA) along with junta forces, individuals claiming to be Rohingya militants, and Muslim militants who had undergone military training.
Locals report that Thurein Tun played a leading role in recruiting Muslim refugees, including Muslims from Maungdaw District and camps in Bangladesh, for military training. He is also accused of ordering the unlawful detention and execution of civilians, as well as the destruction of homes, villages, and neighborhoods through arson in areas such as Buthidaung and Maungdaw.
According to local reports, senior officers of the junta’s naval forces, along with individuals claiming to be Rohingya and Muslim cronies, have been involved in human trafficking and drug smuggling. They are also accused of looting vast amounts of gold, silver, gemstones, and money, including billions in cash, from civilians in Maungdaw District through unlawful and violent means.
Thurein Tun, who is 53 years old, is the son of U Tun Kyi, a resident of Meikhtila Township and stationed at the No. 1 Military Hospital. This information was confirmed through his national identity card (registration document) obtained by Border News Agency.
Brigadier General Thurein Tun was responsible for leading and overseeing all military affairs in Maungdaw District, including the administration and military operations in Maungdaw, Buthidaung, and Rathedaung towns. Under his command, he had a force of over 10,000 personnel, including police, border guards, and soldiers, as confirmed by a military force roster obtained by Border News Agency.
