[14] [15] Under his leadership, the military junta has been criticized for its continued suppression of pro-democracy movements and human rights violations, particularly the violent repression of protests in Myanmar.

[27] Over the years, he held various important positions, including overseeing regional military commands in some of Myanmar's most conflict-ridden areas, such as Kachin, Shan, and Karen States.

His role as a member of the State Administration Council after the February 2021 coup cemented his position as a significant player in Myanmar’s ongoing political turmoil.

Following the coup, he was appointed Chief of General Staff of Army, Navy, and Air Force, a critical position that allowed him to wield substantial control over the country's military strategy.

His role in the junta has drawn significant international scrutiny, as human rights organizations have accused him of involvement in war crimes, particularly related to the crackdown on protests and ethnic minorities.

His military career, although marked by significant promotion and power, has been controversial due to the increasing isolation Myanmar faces on the international stage and the allegations of human rights abuses associated with his actions.

[31] This reshuffle came amid heavy losses in Rakhine, where the military had lost control of 12 out of 17 townships over the preceding 13 months, with the Western Command headquarters in Ann Town nearing collapse.

The reshuffle reflected Min Aung Hlaing's ongoing struggle to maintain control over the regime’s armed forces and secure key territories.

The military defeats in Rakhine, along with operations in other regions like Shan, Kachin, and Karenni States, had severely undermined the regime’s position, necessitating leadership changes within the defense sector.

His appointment as Defense Minister, however, underscores the regime’s struggles to counteract the ongoing insurgencies and mass civil disobedience movements that have posed a significant challenge to military rule.

[35] The reshuffle was also significant as it saw the promotion of Quartermaster-General Kyaw Swar Lin to Chief of the General Staff, further consolidating Min Aung Hlaing's control over the military leadership.

This reshuffle reflects Min Aung Hlaing’s efforts to maintain his grip on power as he faces increasing opposition both from armed ethnic groups and pro-democracy factions within Myanmar.

Observers of Myanmar's political landscape noted that the reshuffle may also signal Min Aung Hlaing’s long-term strategies for dealing with the growing challenges to his regime.

With an election scheduled for 2025, analysts speculated that Min Aung Hlaing may be positioning his allies in critical posts to secure his future, whether in continued political leadership or as part of an eventual exit strategy similar to that of former Senior General Than Shwe.

As the military continues to face escalating resistance, the reshuffle represents a critical moment in the ongoing power struggle within the junta’s ranks and the broader political landscape in Myanmar.

Within Myanmar, he is viewed as a key figure in the junta's military strategy and a central actor in the government's efforts to suppress the growing civil disobedience and resistance movements.