Myanmar Junta Major Killed in Ayeyarwady Frontline Battle

Narinjara, May 24, 2026

Major Hein Zaw Aung, the second commander of the military junta's 36th Battalion, was killed during intense clashes with revolutionary forces near Nga Thaing Chaung in Ye Kyi Township, Ayeyarwady Region.

Local military sources confirmed that Major Hein Zaw Aung died on May 19 after being struck by a rebel sniper.

The fatal shot occurred during a joint offensive launched by the Arakan Army (AA) and local People’s Defense Forces (PDFs) targeting the military junta's 344th Artillery Battalion base in Yekyi Township.

According to local reports, the wounded commander succumbed to his injuries and his body was transported to the Shwe Myin Tin Cemetery crematorium at approximately 1:00 PM on the day of the battle.

A press release issued by the Special Intelligence Unit-Pathein revealed that the junta deployed a heavily guarded convoy to transport the commander's body for burial. The funeral procession consisted of 24 vehicles, including a hearse, tactical short- and long-head military trucks, double-cab pickups, and civilian white passenger cars.

The death marks another high-profile casualty for the junta's South Western Military Command as joint resistance forces continue to mount pressure along the Ayeyarwady front line.

Photo courtesy of the Special Intelligence Unit-Pathein.