Myanmar Junta Boss’ ‘Eyes and Ears’ Ye Win Oo Promoted to Army Chief

A close aide dubbed the “eyes and ears” of junta boss Min Aung Hlaing has been appointed Army chief just a few weeks before the regime transfers power to a nominally civilian government, sources told The Irrawaddy.

The promotion has fueled speculation that General Ye Win Oo, who has been glued to Min Aung Hlaing’s side since the 2021 coup, is being positioned as a future commander‑in‑chief if his master assumes the presidency.

Until now Ye Win Oo has been the chief of Military Intelligence—officially known as the Office of the Chief of Military Security Affairs—a secretary of the ruling State Security and Peace Commission (previously the State Administration Council), and chief executive officer of the National Defense and Security Council.