Min Aung Hlaing, the head of Myanmar's military junta, has ordered the arrest of former Navy Chief Admiral Zwe Win Myint for failing to comply with directives during the conflict in Rakhine State, sources revealed to The Irrawaddy.

Admiral Zwe Win Myint, who had served as the Navy Commander-in-Chief, submitted his resignation after defying an order from Min Aung Hlaing to attack Arakan Army (AA) troops stationed in hotels at Ngapali Beach in Thandwe Township without the use of artillery.

According to a source, Min Aung Hlaing instructed Zwe Win Myint to deploy landing craft to transport troops to the beach but prohibited the use of artillery to avoid damage to the hotels. "AA troops have positioned themselves in the hotel zone, including snipers. Min Aung Hlaing ordered their removal but without artillery. The navy chief suggested using artillery first to suppress the enemy before landing, but Min Aung Hlaing rejected this to prevent hotel damage," a naval officer, who wished to remain anonymous, told The Irrawaddy.

Ngapali Beach is known for its luxury resorts, many owned by tycoons with close connections to Myanmar's military leadership, from the State Law and Order Restoration Council era to the current State Administration Council. There are 64 hotels and resorts on the beach, with the most opulent ones belonging to individuals with close ties to the military regime.

In January, Min Aung Hlaing met with Anatoly Bulochnikov, president of the Russia-Myanmar Association for Friendship and Cooperation, to discuss tourism and trade. The association and a local company, Treasure of Ngapali Development Co. Ltd, signed an agreement to develop a luxury seafront apartment project in the area.

The naval officer expressed concerns over the tactical decision, stating, "If we only use landing craft without artillery support, we all would die." Additionally, Min Aung Hlaing refused to authorize bombing in Thandwe, the hometown of his wife, Kyu Kyu Hla.

Admiral Zwe Win Myint was arrested on July 8 for disobedience and has been replaced by Vice-Admiral Htein Win, a graduate of the 29th intake of the Defense Services Academy. Htein Win previously commanded the Mawrawaddy naval base in Tanintharyi Region's Yebyu Township and became the Navy's Chief of Staff in January.

The Daily Star's count of victims is based on hospital and police sources, with Prothom Alo reporting at least 210 deaths in the violence as of Sunday.

BOB Post