Security force arrests members of the so-called Natsoe PDF terrorist group committing acts of violence within Patheingyi Township, Mandalay Region

Ministry of Home Affairs/ Naypyitaw / July 20, 2023

Nyein Chan Aung (aka) Arr Thit, the leader of the so-called Natsoe PDF terrorist group committing terrorist acts

The national government has declared as terrorist organizations - the NUG, CRPH and their subordinate’s so-called PDF terrorist groups, claim to be “for the people”, but are lawlessly killing civil service personnel and innocent citizens, including Buddhist monks and teacher, as well as in engaging in looting, and robbing. Additionally, the terrorists are detonating mines in public places like fun fairs, to sustain fatal injuries. They are also blowing up public-owned buildings that are related and working together with the national government, aiming to disrupt the government mechanism.

Since they are committing such acts of violence, security personnel have been beefing up security measures day and night to locate, identify and arrest them. Acting on the secret information report of local people who oppose the violence acts aimed at disrupting the State’ peace, security force members arrested Nyein Chan Aung (aka) Arr Thit, the leader of the so-called Natsoe PDF terrorist group, and his illegal cohabitant, Ma Pa Pa Win, at the “Mahar” clinic located on 30th Road between 77th and 78th Streets of Haymarzala Ward in Chanayetharzan Township on the morning of July 8, 2023.

According to the confession of the arrested perpetrator Nyein Chan Aung; he attended a terrorist bombing training in the KNLA Brigade (2) area for about three months. After completing training, in April, he, as a leader, organized the so-called Natsoe PDF terrorist group with 20 members including Pa Pa Win and remaining offenders to be arrested, Al Hnaung, Yadi, Kyone Gyi, Ko Gyi, Dipa, Kywal Gyi, Kyo, aiming to kill and assassinate innocent civilians and to conduct terrorist acts within Patheingyi Township.

According to the confessions of the arrested perpetrators, they committed four terrorist killings and two times of mine detonating within Patheingyi Township;

- On December 2, 2021, remaining offenders to be arrested; Al Hnaung and Ko Gyi detonated a homemade mine at the Township Electrical Office of Patheingyi Township. During the attack, Nyein Chan Aung performed as a watch.

- On January 31, 2022, Nyein Chan Aung and remaining offenders to be arrested; Al Hnaung and Ko Gyi threw a homemade mine at the Township Development Committee office of Patheingyi Township.

- On March 20, Nyein Chan Aung and Al Hnaung (still at large) killed U Myint Swe, administrator of Yaehtwat Village, Patheingyi Township, by accusing him of being decoy/dalan. During the killing, Yadi performed as a watch.

- On April 19, remaining offenders to be arrested; Yadi and Al Hnaung killed the Township Electrical Office manager U Kyaw Ye Aung, near Nanoolwin Village of Patheingyi Township, by accusing him of being decoy/dala. During the killing, Nyein Chan Aung performed as a watch.

- On June 19, remaining offenders to be arrested; Kyone Gyi and Ko Gyi killed U Than Swe, 100-household administrator of Kanthar Village in Patheingyi Township, by accusing him of being decoy/dalan. During the killing, Al Hnaung performed as a watch.

- On April 20, 2023, seven remaining offenders to be arrested including Al Hnaung, Dipa, Kywal Gyi and Ko Myo disguised themselves as Buddhist monks in a Light Truck vehicle and attacked with small arms to the security personnel who were shopping near the Myakanthar Market in Patheingyi Township. During the attack, Nyein Chan Aung performed as a watch.

According to the confessions of the apprehended perpetrators, it was revealed that they raised funds from the public through a Facebook page called "Natsoe PDF terrorist group" and solicited financial support from the NUG to carry out terrorist activities. They utilized these funds to commit acts of terrorism, purchase weapons and ammunition, as well as cover their personal expenses.

It is reported that measures will be taken to take harsh legal actions against the arrested offenders. The entire public is encouraged to protect and fight against those engaged in terrorist activities, and is also encouraged to report any information about the terrorists’ whereabouts and movements to relevant authorities in confidence, in order to arrest the related offender as soonest. The whistleblowers and those who are arrested are being given a deserved and confidential reward, and that the entire public is requested to work together to restore peace and stability to the towns and Villages as soon as possible.