Lieutenant General Kyaw Ko Htike appointed as Myanmar’s new military intelligence chief

Mizzima

Lieutenant General Kyaw Ko Htike has been appointed as the Chief of Military Security Affairs (CMSA), taking over the critical military intelligence portfolio for the junta. He succeeds General Ye Win Oo, a key loyalist who was recently promoted to Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Services as Senior General Min Aung Hlaing transitioned toward a civilian presidential role.

A graduate of the Defence Services Academy (DSA) 38th Intake, Lt. Gen. Kyaw Ko Htike’s ascent to the top of the intelligence apparatus is described by military observers as a rapid and unexpected career turnaround.

After his advancement stalled for several years, he saw a swift series of high-level assignments, serving first as the Regional Commander of the Mandalay-based Central Command and most recently as the Chief of Military Training.

Analysts from the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) suggest his rise was bolstered by the support of influential DSA-38 classmates and his perceived reliability in managing the Central Command after his predecessors faced disciplinary action.

“His rise was unexpected. After being stuck in his rank for a long time, he became the Central Command Commander. Shortly after, he became the Chief of Training, and now, the Intelligence Chief. He went from a stalled career to unexpectedly becoming the Chief of Military Security Affairs,” said Major Naung Yo, a CDM member.

Major Naung Yo said, “Support from fellow DSA-38 graduates in top positions likely played a role. They seemed pleased with his performance as the Central Command Commander. While the two commanders before him were penalized for problems, Kyaw Ko Htike was promoted instead.”

He was also awarded the Medal for Excellent Military Service in 2023.