The Arakan Army (AA) released a video file on February 29 featuring Major Thein Thiet Soe, who provided direct evidence of the killing, along with Lieutenant Colonel Khin Maung Soe and Captain Arkarmyint, who confessed to their involvement in the killing of 7 civilians, including journalist Ko Pho Thiha, in the Khmera 378 central guard cell in Mrauk U Township.
Major Thein Soe, commander of the Khamara 378 Department, admitted in the video released by the Arakan Army (AA) that he had indeed ordered the killing of 7 innocent civilians, including journalist Ko Pho Thiha, in the Mrauk U City Khamara 378 Central Security Cell on January 23rd.
On February 5th, the Arakan Army (AA) captured the Khamara-378 Battalion based in Mrauk U and discovered the bodies of 7 deceased civilians, including journalist Pho Thiha.
Subsequently, on February 7th, the Arakan Army (AA) successfully captured the Khamara-377 Battalion based in Mrauk U City, where they apprehended Major Thein Thiet Soe, the commander of the Khamara 378 Division, who had ordered the killing of the 7 civilians.
Major Thein Thiet Soe, commander of the 378th Division of Khamara Rouge, testified, ‘7 prisoners, including Ko Po Thiha, were detained at the battalion headquarters. While the 377 was going to receive medical treatment, on the 23rd of the 1st month, Deputy Sergeant Than Aung and his team reported to the battalion lieutenant Arkar Myint and asked them to clear. Major Thein Thiet Soe, who instructed them, confessed.’
Additionally, two individuals who directly participated in the killing of the 7 locals, Lieutenant Colonel Khin Maung Soe and Captain Arkar Myint, admitted to shooting and killing the victims as instructed and then reported that they were killed by bombs.
The 7 civilians killed in Khamara-378 included journalist Myat Tura Tun called Ko Pho Thiha, Ko Kyaw Zanwei, Ko Kyaw Thein Hlaing, Kyaw Win Hlaing, Ko Ko Nyunt, Ko Win Naing, and Ko Pyae Sone Win. The Arakan Army (AA) announced this on February 11th.
Furthermore, two civilians, Ko Nyi Nyi Aung (b) Aung Zaw Win, and U Kyaw Nyunt, who were detained in the Khamara-379 Battalion based in Minbya, were also killed during the fighting at the battalion, according to the Arakan Army’s statement.
