Myanmar: Anti-military group shoots WHO staff worker in Mawlamyine June 8.

Event

The anti-military group People’s Defense Organization Mawlamyine (PDOM) fatally shot a WHO worker nearby Than Lwin Park in Mawlamyine, Mon State, June 8. PDOM has taken responsibility for the killing and claims that the victim was an informant for the Myanmar military (Tatmadaw) and had threatened pro-democracy activists and their family members. The UN has condemned the incident and called for an investigation into the killing.

Context

The incident occurred amid ongoing unrest and clashes between the Tatmadaw and anti-military groups across Myanmar following the February 2021 military coup. However, the June 8 killing does not indicate a heightened risk for international aid organization employees, as the victim was targeted due to his alleged work for the military instead of connection to the WHO.