Myanmar junta’s special operations chief, Lieutenant General Ko Ko Oo, has overseen security measures for new officers’ graduation ceremonies at the Defence Services Academy (DSA) and Defence Services Technological Academy (DSTA) this month, according to military sources.
The general overseas operations in Chin and Kachin states and Mandalay, Sagaing and Magwe regions.
Former captain Zin Yaw, who defected from the military after the 2021 coup, said Ko Ko Oo is in Pyin Oo Lwin to oversee security measures. “According to the military’s ‘green book’ of events, the DSA’s graduation ceremony was scheduled for Thursday and DSTA is on December 12. They have tightened security. They blocked roads to the town, causing trouble for residents.
“They held a surreptitious graduation ceremony last year. We haven’t heard from the parents of cadets this year. The regime will invite some military attaches and we can get information from them,” he added.
Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing usually attends DSA graduation ceremonies with this month’s event for the 66th intake, who were recruited before the 2021 coup.
A Pyin Oo Lwin resident said: “The regime has tightened security for the graduation ceremonies as [Min Aung Hlaing] was attacked with homemade rockets during Thingyan [in mid-April]. I heard special security measures were taken under the direct supervision of the Central Command and that there are five security perimeters.
“There are armored vehicles on the Lashio road and in the town. Soldiers are guarding every junction. There are many troops in the town.”
The graduation ceremonies are normally held in early December. However, the regime has not disclosed graduation dates since the coup. Last year’s ceremony was on December 8 and this year’s event is expected on Friday.
The regime reinforced the Mandalay-Pyin Oo Lwin road with more troops at checkpoints outside Pyin Oo Lwin in late November with more tanks and other armored vehicles.
Residents say Mandalay traffic police and militia members are checking vehicles.
Another resident said: “Security is tightened in Pyin Oo Lwin each December but this year it is heavier.”
Junta troops have been deployed near Ani Sakhan Airport which is only used by senior officers. The regime is also using drones and helicopters to patrol and no blackouts have been disrupting electricity supplies.
Mandalay People’s Defence Force attacked Pyin Oo Lwin with four 107mm homemade rockets while Min Aung Hlaing was visiting on April 8, according to the civilian National Unity Government. The rockets landed near a barracks.
The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, which seized Lashio about 33km from Mandalay, has declared a ceasefire and is unlikely to attack Pyin Oo Lwin.
But fighting continues with the Ta’ang National Liberation Army at Gangaw village about 25km from Pyin Oo Lwin on the Nawnghkio road. The group is also fighting the regime at Taung Hkam village southeast of Pyin Oo Lwin.
