At a military Joint Command meeting held at the military headquarters in Naypyidaw, coup leader Min Aung Hlaing emphasized the paramount importance of loyalty, stating that while any offense could be pardoned if loyalty exists, disloyalty would be absolutely unforgivable. During this meeting, which took place before his March 3rd departure for Russia, he stressed the critical importance of maintaining loyalty to the military, superior officers, leadership, and the state. The meeting was a regular briefing session where nationwide battles, military operations, and strategic situations were reported and discussed.
According to military sources in Naypyidaw, the meeting was attended by Deputy Commander-in-Chief Soe Win, Joint Chief of Staff, Navy Chief, Air Force Chief, and senior officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services. Analysts suggest that Min Aung Hlaing’s emphasis on loyalty was deliberately timed with his Russian trip and served as a warning to prevent potential insubordination among military personnel under his command. The timing and content of his message were interpreted as preventive measures against possible internal dissent during his absence.
During his visit to Russia from March 3rd to 9th, Min Aung Hlaing temporarily transferred his duties to Deputy Commander-in-Chief Soe Win, Secretary Aung Linn Dwe, and Joint Chief of Staff Kyaw Swar Lin. This transfer of authority is seen by observers as a precautionary measure to prevent potential acts of disloyalty within the military ranks. The emphasis on loyalty and the temporary transfer of power reflect the military leadership’s concerns about maintaining control and preventing internal challenges during the leader’s absence from the country.
