Conspirators accused of plotting attack on Myanmar’s UN Ambassador have military ties, sources say

Two Myanmar citizens—charged in New York on Friday in an alleged plot to threaten and possibly kill Myanmar’s ambassador to the United Nations (UN)—have family and community ties to the military and were backed by a Thailand-based arms dealer, according to a source close to the ambassador.

The US attorney for New York’s Southern District said on Friday that Phyo Hein Htut, 28, and Ye Hein Zaw, 20, were both charged with one count of conspiracy to assault or violently attack a foreign official. If convicted, they face a prison sentence of up to five years.   

Permanent Representative to the UN Kyaw Moe Tun represents Myanmar’s elected civilian government, which was ousted by the military in a coup on February 1.

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