'Urban Owls' Claims Responsibility for Killing Arms Dealer
The Killing Took Place in Yangon, Myanmar on October 2
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October 05, 2023
Bangkok - In the ongoing conflict against military rule in Myanmar, a guerrilla group known as Urban Owls has claimed responsibility for the fatal shooting of a businessman accused of being an arms dealer for the country's military, the Associated Press reported on October 4.
The incident took place on Monday night in downtown Yangon, where Nyan Lwin Aung was shot while eating at a street food stall. Witnesses and media reports confirm the account, and a statement from Urban Owls further solidifies their claim.
The shooting occurred at approximately 10 p.m., as gunmen targeted Nyan Lwin Aung, causing fatal injuries. A witness present at the scene reported seeing a customer with a severe head wound who was subsequently transported to Yangon General Hospital.
The witness, fearing repercussions from the military, spoke on the condition of anonymity. The body of the victim, identified as a 36-year-old businessman, was later sent to the mortuary.
Urban Owls, in their statement, emphasized that this incident serves as a warning to all business tycoons and associates associated with Myanmar's repressive military government. The group's actions reflect the deep-rooted opposition to military rule, which has engulfed the country since the army takeover over two and a half years ago. The power seizure from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi sparked widespread protests, and the subsequent violent crackdown led many opponents of military rule to take up arms.
The conflict has escalated, resulting in bitter and widespread violence across Myanmar. The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, a Thailand-based human rights monitoring group, reports that the security forces have killed at least 4,141 civilians since the army's takeover. The situation remains volatile, with armed groups actively fighting against the military regime.
This latest assassination adds to the growing number of targeted attacks against individuals associated with the military government. The guerrilla group's claim of responsibility serves as a reminder that no one is exempt from the consequences of their alleged involvement in supporting the repressive regime.
As the people of Myanmar continue to resist military rule, the conflict shows no signs of abating.
The struggle for freedom and democracy persists, with armed opposition groups like Urban Owls taking a stand against the oppressive forces.
The international community closely watches the situation, hoping for a peaceful resolution and an end to the violence that has plagued Myanmar for far too long.