A Lance Corporal stationed at Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) 50 in Gangaw, Magway Region, has died by suicide after shooting himself on the evening of May 21. According to local sources, Lance Corporal July Htun took his own life while under the influence of excessive drug use that had affected his mental state.
Lance Corporal July Htun had been involved in various illicit activities in Gangaw since 2021, working alongside Pyu Saw Htee leader P2 Phoe Zaw, ammunition trafficker Captain Myo Win Yu, and Deputy Battalion Commander Ye Yan Paing. Their activities included extorting money from gambling operators, forcibly evicting residents who had lost money gambling, and intimidating local townspeople. He served as Deputy Battalion Commander Ye Yan Paing’s personal guard and driver.
July Htun’s superior officer, Deputy Battalion Commander Ye Yan Paing, was killed in battle at Pinlebu, while another leader, Captain Myo Win Yu, was arrested for illegal ammunition trafficking and transferred to Military Training Center 23. Sources indicate that July Htun had been separated from his wife and was experiencing depression due to drug addiction and his diminished ability to abuse power as he had previously done. Following his death, he was cremated that same night at Yeput Cemetery in Gangaw. The current Strategic Commander stated that since his death was not combat-related, no pension benefits would be provided.
