Thurein Tun (Burmese: သူရိန်ထွန်း; pronounced[θʊreɪntʊn]; born Myanmar) is a Burmese military officer currently holding the rank of brigadier general, and he served as the former commander of the 15th Military Operations Command (MOC).[1][2] He was captured by the Arakan Army (AA) during their offensive in Rakhine State in December 2024.[3] Thurein Tun has been accused of war crimes and other offenses in relation to his role in military operations in the region.[4]
As commander of the 15th MOC, Thurein Tun was stationed in Buthidaung Township, which fell to the Arakan Army in May 2023.[9] He relocated his forces to Maungdaw, establishing a base at Border Guard Police Battalion No. 5. According to the AA, Thurein Tun forcibly conscripted and armed local Rohingya residents, including criminal groups, to counter the AA's advance.[10] He also allegedly incited racial tensions and staged protests against the AA, using coercion and propaganda.[11]
The AA claims that during their final assault on the Border Guard Police Battalion, Thurein Tun shot some of his own soldiers who attempted to surrender, preventing their capitulation. He fled with a small group of soldiers, including his personal assistant, but was captured shortly thereafter.[12]
Accusations of war crimes
Thurein Tun has been accused of orchestrating a campaign to exacerbate ethnic tensions in Rakhine State. The parallel National Unity Government’s Deputy Minister for Human Rights, U Aung Kyaw Moe, alleged that he trained and armed criminal groups and Rohingya youth, contributing to instability in the region. The AA stated that he will be investigated and punished for alleged war crimes, including the killing of surrendering soldiers.[13]
Human rights organizations have also implicated him in human rights abuses related to his tenure at Central Command and his actions in Rakhine State. These include allegations of extrajudicial killings, forced recruitment, and the use of propaganda to justify military actions.[14]
Capture and detention
Thurein Tun was captured by the Arakan Army in December 2024 following the fall of Maungdaw to AA forces. The capture marked a significant setback for the Myanmar military in Rakhine State. The AA announced its intention to investigate him for his alleged involvement in war crimes, including actions taken during the final days of the Maungdaw campaign.[15]
Reception and legacy
Thurein Tun remains a controversial figure in Myanmar’s ongoing political crisis. Supporters of the military junta view his actions as necessary for maintaining control in a volatile region, while critics and human rights organizations accuse him of perpetuating ethnic conflict and violating international law.[16]
