The Tatmadaw released a statement on the final report of the Independent Commission of Enquiry-ICOE on 21 January, according to the Tatmadaw True News Information Team.
The statement stated that the Tatmadaw (Myanmar Defence Services) launched operations to restore regional peace and stability in the aftermath of the ARSA’s attacks on police outposts and station, and one military Battalion Headquarters in northern Rakhine State in 2016 and 2017. The Independent Commission of Enquiry (ICOE) was established by the Office of the President to investigate the subsequent of those operations.
The Final Report of the Independent Commission of Enquiry (ICOE) was released on 21 January 2020. A considerable number of Tatmadaw members have given statements in support of the evidence collection work of the ICOE.
Since late November 2019, several weeks prior to the release of the Final Report of the ICOE, the Court-Martial concerning the Gutarpyin incident has been convened at the local Regiment in Buthitdaung Township in Northern Rakhine. This trial has been taken place on the basis of the report of a Court of Inquiry.
The Tatmadaw will not only give full consideration to the recommendations relating to the armed forces in the report of the ICOE but the Office of the Judge Advocate General will study the report in detail as well. The Tatmadaw in carrying out its duty to defend the Sovereignty of the state and protect the life and property of the local people from terrorist attacks launched by ARSA and its collaborators did so spontaneously. The action was not premeditated. The court of inquiry will continue investigations regarding any wrongdoings by those within the chain of command. It is learnt that the Office of the Judge Advocate General will take action in conformity with military justice procedures if there is credible evidence of any commission of offence by members of the Tatmadaw, said the statement.—MNA
