KNLA Deputy Chief of Staff Major General Baw Kyaw Hla promoted to Chief of Staff

YT (July 18) Mizzima. The Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) has selected Major General Saw Baw Kyaw Hla, who served as Deputy Chief of Staff, to be the Chief of Staff, according to sources. As the former Chief of Staff, General Saw Johnny, has retired due to health reasons making it difficult to continue his duties, Major General Saw Baw Kyaw Hla, the Deputy Chief of Staff, was selected and appointed as the Chief of Staff. It is also known that Major General Saw Lay Tor, the commander of Brigade 3, will take over the position of Deputy Chief of Staff. Although news of Major General Saw Baw Kyaw Hla's appointment as Chief of Staff had been circulating since the end of May, it was officially appointed at the KNU Central Executive Committee meeting held yesterday (July 17). Major General Saw Baw Kyaw Hla, 63 years old, a native of Takhonhtai village in Mutraw District, Brigade 5, joined the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) in 1982 and has served for over 40 years.