Myanmar coup leader vows to crush coup opponents in Armed Forces Day remarks

The general who led the coup in Myanmar has vowed to further crush the military regime’s opponents, whom he branded as “terrorists” in remarks for Armed Forces Day. The remarks come amidst efforts by the junta to further reinforce its rule over the country since seizing power in 2021.

Myanmar’s coup leader, Min Aung Hlaing, delivered remarks as the country marked its Armed Forces Day on Monday as the military put on a show of strength. Myanmar troops marched through a parade ground in the capital Naypyidaw with armored vehicles, missiles, and artillery, with fighter jets and helicopters in the air.

Min Aung Hlaing said that those who condemned his government showed indifference to the violence committed by his opponents, referred to as the National Unity Government, made up of lawmakers and politicians who were ousted by the generals in their coup.

The armed faction of the NUG, the People’s Defense Forces, and their ethnic minority allies have also regularly clashed with military forces in their bases and outposts.

“The terror acts of the NUG and its lackey so-called PDFs are needed to be tackled for good and all,” said Min Aung Hlaing in his speech, adding that the military “and the government also need to take action against this terrorist group, trying to devastate the country and killing the people.”

Min Aung Hlaing said that while the acts by the military were justified as they were needed to ensure peace, the junta has sought to dismiss allegations of human rights abuses by blaming its opponents for the violence.

The generals seized power in a coup in February 2021, ousting the elected government and detaining its leaders, resulting in public outrage and protests against the military regime. The military then carried out a bloody crackdown on the protests, killing hundreds and detaining thousands of those who opposed the military rule.

The coup has also led to rounds of sanctions on the junta and the military, as well as widespread condemnation. The United States Treasury Department issued its latest round of sanctions, targeting two individuals and six entities that are linked to the military and enabled the junta’s activities. The latest sanctions targeted those in Myanmar’s defense sector, specifically the importation, storage, and distribution of aviation fuel that the military needs to carry out its air strikes in the country.