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{{Dablink|This article is about the defunct insurgent group in Myanmar (Burma). For other uses, see [[Army of God (disambiguation)]].}}
{{about|the defunct insurgent group in Myanmar (Burma)||Army of God (disambiguation)}}
{{EngvarB|date=November 2015}}
{{EngvarB|date=November 2015}}
{{short description|Christian terrorist organisation}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{infobox war faction
{{infobox war faction
|name = God's Army
|name = God's Army
|native_name ={{my|ဘုရားသခင်၏ တပ်မတော်}}
|native_name ={{lang|my|ဘုရားသခင်၏ တပ်မတော်}}
|native_name_lang =my
|native_name_lang =my
|war = the [[Internal conflict in Myanmar]]
|war = the [[Internal conflict in Myanmar]]
Line 11: Line 12:
|active = {{Start date|1997}}–{{End date|2006}}
|active = {{Start date|1997}}–{{End date|2006}}
|leaders = [[Johnny and Luther Htoo]]
|leaders = [[Johnny and Luther Htoo]]
|ideology = [[Karen people|Karen interests]]<br>[[Christian terrorism|Christian extremism]]
|ideology = [[Karen people|Karen interests]]<br />[[Christian terrorism|Christian extremism]]
|clans =
|clans =
|headquarters =
|headquarters =
|area = [[Kayin State]]<br>[[Myanmar]]-[[Thailand]] border
|area = [[Kayin State]]<br />[[Myanmar–Thailand border]]
|strength = 500 (peak)<ref>{{cite news|url= https://www.nytimes.com/2000/04/10/world/burmese-rebel-chief-more-boy-than-warrior.html|title = Burmese Rebel Chief More Boy Than Warrior|newspaper= NY Times|date= 1 April 2000|accessdate= 2 November 2013 |first=Seth|last=Mydans}}</ref>
|size = 500 (peak)<ref name=nyt>{{cite news|url= https://www.nytimes.com/2000/04/10/world/burmese-rebel-chief-more-boy-than-warrior.html|title = Burmese Rebel Chief More Boy Than Warrior|newspaper= The New York Times |date= 1 April 2000|access-date= 2 November 2013 |first=Seth|last=Mydans|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208124534/https://www.nytimes.com/2000/04/10/world/burmese-rebel-chief-more-boy-than-warrior.html|archive-date=December 8, 2023}}</ref>
|allies = {{flagicon image|Flag of the VBSW.png}} [[Vigorous Burmese Student Warriors]] (alleged)
|allies = {{flagicon image|Flag of the VBSW.png}} [[Vigorous Burmese Student Warriors]] (alleged)
|opponents = {{flagicon image|Flag of Myanmar (1974-2010).svg}} [[State Peace and Development Council|Union of Myanmar]]
|opponents = {{flagicon image|Flag of Myanmar (1974-2010).svg}} [[State Peace and Development Council|Union of Myanmar]]
Line 25: Line 26:
|website =
|website =
}}
}}
'''God's Army''' ({{lang-my|ဘုရားသခင်၏ တပ်မတော်}}) was an armed revolutionary Christian insurgent group that opposed the then [[military junta]] of [[Myanmar]] (Burma).<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/para/gods_army.htm|title=God's Army|publisher=GlobalSecurity.org}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Leading God's Army|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,996004-1,00.html|author=Terry McCarthy and Robert Horn|publisher=[[Time Magazine]]|date=7 February 2000}}</ref> The group was an offshoot of the [[Karen National Union]]. They were based along the [[Thailand]]-Burma border, and conducted a string of audacious [[guerrilla warfare|guerrilla]] actions—including allegedly being involved in the [[1999 Myanmar Embassy siege|seizure of the Myanmar embassy in Bangkok]]-during the 1990s and early 2000s. They have been described as a [[Terrorism|terrorist organisation]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/pmextra/jan00/24/hostage.htm|title=Child Terrorists Hold Hundreds Hostage in Thailand (washingtonpost.com)|website=www.washingtonpost.com|access-date=2018-02-23}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.trackingterrorism.org/group/gods-army-myanmar|title=God's Army -- Myanmar {{!}} Terrorist Groups {{!}} TRAC|website=www.trackingterrorism.org|language=en|access-date=2018-02-23}}</ref>
'''God's Army''' ({{langx|my|ဘုရားသခင်၏ တပ်မတော်}}) was a [[Christian]] armed revolutionary group that opposed the then-ruling [[State Peace and Development Council|military junta of Myanmar]] (Burma).<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/para/gods_army.htm|title=God's Army|publisher=GlobalSecurity.org|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013004755/https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/para/gods_army.htm|archive-date=October 13, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|title=Leading God's Army|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,996004-1,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080417055344/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,996004-1,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 April 2008|author=Terry McCarthy and Robert Horn|magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]|date=7 February 2000}}</ref> The group was an offshoot of the [[Karen National Union]]. They were based along the [[Thailand]]-Burma border, and conducted a string of audacious [[guerrilla warfare|guerrilla]] actions including allegedly being involved in the [[1999 Myanmar Embassy siege|seizure of the Myanmar embassy in Bangkok]] in 1999. They have been described as a [[Terrorism|terrorist organisation]].<ref name=richburg/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.trackingterrorism.org/group/gods-army-myanmar|title=God's Army -- Myanmar {{!}} Terrorist Groups {{!}} TRAC|website=www.trackingterrorism.org|language=en|access-date=23 February 2018}}</ref>


==Formation==
==Formation==
God's Army was formed in an area of eastern Burma populated by the [[Karen people|Karen ethnic group]], who had been fighting against Burmese army at various times for over fifty years, primarily through the Karen National Union. In the early 90s the Burmese army launched a major operation to secure the route of an oil pipeline through the area.<ref name=guardian>{{cite news | url = https://www.theguardian.com/g2/story/0,3604,347432,00.html | title = Two little boys | newspaper = The Guardian | date = 27 July 2000 | accessdate = 16 January 2012 | quote = The cameras found the students in the camp of the twins, who were nine years old at the time | location=London}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.start.umd.edu/start/data_collections/tops/terrorist_organization_profile.asp?id=4032 | title = Terrorist Organization Profile: God's Army | publisher = [[National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism]] | accessdate = 16 January 2012 | quote = Johnny and Luther Htoo, twin brothers who were only nine years old when they formed the God's Army... }}</ref> God's Army was led by brothers [[Johnny and Luther Htoo]] beginning in 1997, who were at that time estimated to be only ten years of age. Some of the followers of the [[twins]] believed that they had "Animist and Christian powers".<ref name="gp">{{cite web|url=http://www.globalpolitician.com/default.asp?21979-myanmar-burma |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130818185124/http://globalpolitician.com/default.asp?21979-myanmar-burma |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 August 2013 |publisher=[[Global Politician]] |title=Bizarre 'God's Army' Led By Young Boys Surrenders |author=Richard S. Ehrlick |date=27 July 2006 }}</ref> According to the legend among followers, the twins were the only two who defended their village from the Burmese authorities who had constantly persecuted their people for their Christian beliefs and for a desire for ethnic autonomy.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2000/jan/25/burma|title=God's Army holds hundreds hostage|last=Aglionby|first=John|date=2000-01-25|website=the Guardian|language=en|access-date=2018-05-02}}</ref> The Burmese authorities had destroyed villages, killed Karen fighters, raped dozens of women and caused thousands to flee.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2000/jan/25/burma|title=God's Army holds hundreds hostage|last=Aglionby|first=John|date=2000-01-25|website=the Guardian|language=en|access-date=2018-05-02}}</ref> The members believed the brothers shouted "God's Army!", leading them to a victory over Burmese troops.<ref name=time>{{cite news | url = http://content.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2054474,00.html | title = The Twin Terrors | newspaper = Time | date = 7 February 2000 | accessdate = 2 November 2013}}</ref>
God's Army was formed in an area of eastern Burma populated by the [[Karen people|Karen ethnic group]], who had been fighting against Burmese army at various times for over fifty years, primarily through the Karen National Union. In the early 90s the Burmese army launched a major operation to secure the route of an oil pipeline through the area.<ref name=guardian>{{cite news | url = https://www.theguardian.com/g2/story/0,3604,347432,00.html | title = Two little boys | newspaper = The Guardian | date = 27 July 2000 | access-date = 16 January 2012 | quote = The cameras found the students in the camp of the twins, who were nine years old at the time | location=London|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013004753/https://www.theguardian.com/g2/story/0,3604,347432,00.html|archive-date=October 13, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.start.umd.edu/start/data_collections/tops/terrorist_organization_profile.asp?id=4032 | title = Terrorist Organization Profile: God's Army | publisher = [[National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism]] | access-date = 16 January 2012 | quote = Johnny and Luther Htoo, twin brothers who were only nine years old when they formed the God's Army.|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131221122857/http://start.umd.edu/start/data_collections/tops/terrorist_organization_profile.asp?id=4032|archive-date=December 21, 2013}}</ref> God's Army was led by brothers [[Johnny and Luther Htoo]] beginning in 1997, who were at that time estimated to be only ten years of age. Some of the followers of the [[twins]] believed that they had "Animist and Christian powers".<ref name="gp">{{cite web|url=http://www.globalpolitician.com/default.asp?21979-myanmar-burma |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130818185124/http://globalpolitician.com/default.asp?21979-myanmar-burma |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 August 2013 |publisher=[[Global Politician]] |title=Bizarre 'God's Army' Led By Young Boys Surrenders |author=Richard S. Ehrlick |date=27 July 2006 }}</ref> According to the legend among followers, the twins were the only two who defended their village from the Burmese authorities who had constantly persecuted their people for their Christian beliefs and for a desire for ethnic autonomy.<ref name=Aglionby>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2000/jan/25/burma|title=God's Army holds hundreds hostage|last=Aglionby|first=John|date=25 January 2000|website=the Guardian|language=en|access-date=2 May 2018|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013004754/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2000/jan/25/burma|archive-date=October 13, 2023}}</ref> The Burmese authorities had destroyed villages, killed Karen fighters, raped dozens of women and caused thousands to flee.<ref name=Aglionby/> The members believed the brothers shouted "God's Army!", leading them to a victory over Burmese troops.<ref name=time>{{cite news | url = http://content.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2054474,00.html | title = The Twin Terrors | newspaper = Time | date = 7 February 2000 | access-date = 2 November 2013|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316163940/https://content.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2054474,00.html|archive-date=March 16, 2023}}</ref>
The legend of the boys was embraced by locals who viewed the existing Karen National Union as corrupt and ineffective.<ref name=guardian /> Some of its members also called themselves as <nowiki>''Jesus Warriors'' or ''Jesus Commandos''. According to Kwe Htoo, the name of the group was actually Kaserdoh God'</nowiki>s Army.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pressreader.com/thailand/bangkok-post/20080928/282621733528843|title=PressReader.com - Connecting People Through News|website=www.pressreader.com|access-date=2018-05-02}}</ref>
The legend of the boys was embraced by locals who viewed the existing Karen National Union as corrupt and ineffective.<ref name=guardian /> Some of its members also called themselves as <nowiki>''Jesus Warriors'' or ''Jesus Commandos''. According to Kwe Htoo, the name of the group was Kaserdoh God'</nowiki>s Army.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pressreader.com/thailand/bangkok-post/20080928/282621733528843|via=PressReader|access-date=2 May 2018|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013004750/https://www.pressreader.com/thailand/bangkok-post/20080928/282621733528843|archive-date=October 13, 2023|title=God's Army: The Reason for the Burmese Embassy Siege}}</ref>


==Activity==
==Activity==
God's Army<ref name=":0" /> was situated in mountainous rainforests along the border between Burma and [[Thailand]].<ref name=time /> They were a band of [[Christians|Christian]] guerrillas who maintained an austere lifestyle, including abstinence from sexual intercourse, alcohol, milk, eggs and pork. The group was estimated to have around 500 fighters in 1998, but gradually declined to anywhere between 100 and 200 men in early 2000. Many left to find work to support their refugee families while others are thought to have left due to personal reasons. Meanwhile, the Burmese army had 21,000 troops in the area.<ref name=nytimes2>{{cite news | url = https://www.nytimes.com/2000/04/10/world/burmese-rebel-chief-more-boy-than-warrior.html | title = Burmese Rebel Chief More Boy Than Warrior | newspaper = NY Times | date = 1 April 2000 | accessdate = 2 November 2013 | first=Seth | last=Mydans}}</ref>
God's Army<ref name=":0" /> was situated in mountainous rainforests along the border between Burma and [[Thailand]].<ref name=time /> They were a band of [[Christians|Christian]] guerrillas who maintained an austere lifestyle, including abstinence from sexual intercourse, alcohol, milk, eggs, and pork. The group was estimated to have around 500 fighters in 1998, but gradually declined to anywhere between 100 and 200 men in early 2000. Many left to find work to support their refugee families while others are thought to have left for personal reasons. Meanwhile, the Burmese army had 21,000 troops in the area.<ref name=nyt/>
⚫
In October 1999, a group calling themselves [[Vigorous Burmese Student Warriors]] along with the God's Army seized the Burmese embassy in [[Bangkok]] and the situation ended with their departure, at which point they were taken in by God's Army.<ref name=nytimes>{{Cite news | url = https://www.nytimes.com/2001/01/17/world/17THAI.html | title = Burmese Rebel Twins and 14 Followers Surrender in Thailand | newspaper = The New York Times| date = 17 January 2001 | access-date = 2 November 2013|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013004755/https://www.nytimes.com/2001/01/17/world/burmese-rebel-twins-and-14-followers-surrender-in-thailand.html|archive-date=October 13, 2023}}</ref> The Burmese Government called the attack "a pure act of terrorism" and in Washington the State Department, which has been critical of the Burmese military regime, also condemned what it called "a terrorist attack".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/463569.stm|title=BBC News {{!}} Asia-Pacific {{!}} Embassy gunmen flee|website=news.bbc.co.uk|access-date=23 February 2018|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230427041844/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/463569.stm|archive-date=April 27, 2023}}</ref>


⚫
In January 2000, 10 members of God's Army seized a hospital in [[Ratchaburi]], Thailand.<ref name=richburg>{{Cite news|last=Richburg |first=Keith B. |date=24 January 2000 | title=Child Terrorists Hold Hundreds Hostage in Thailand |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/pmextra/jan00/24/hostage.htm|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014163852/https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/pmextra/jan00/24/hostage.htm|archive-date=October 14, 2023 }}</ref> The group held about 500 patients and staff members [[hostage]] for 22 hours. They demanded the Thai government stop shelling Karen positions in Burma and treatment for their wounded. They planted "booby" traps in the hospital and threatened to blow up the hospital.<ref name=Aglionby/> Thai security forces stormed the hospital, killing all 10 of the gunmen.<ref name=time /> After the raid, God's Army were strenuously pursued by the [[Tatmadaw]] (Burmese armed forces) and shunned by other Karen rebels.
⚫
In October 1999, a group calling themselves [[Vigorous Burmese Student Warriors]] along with the God's Army seized the Burmese embassy in [[Bangkok]] and the situation ended with their departure, at which point they were taken in by God's Army.<ref name=nytimes>{{Cite news | url = https://www.nytimes.com/2001/01/17/world/17THAI.html | title = Burmese Rebel Twins and 14 Followers Surrender in Thailand | newspaper = NY Times | date = 17 January 2001 | accessdate = 2 November 2013}}</ref> The Burmese Government called the attack "a pure act of terrorism" and in Washington the State Department, which has been critical of the Burmese military regime, also condemned what it called "a terrorist attack".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/463569.stm|title=BBC News {{!}} Asia-Pacific {{!}} Embassy gunmen flee|website=news.bbc.co.uk|access-date=2018-02-23}}</ref>

⚫
In January 2000, 10 members of God's Army seized a hospital in [[Ratchaburi]], Thailand.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Richburg |first=Keith B. |date=24 January 2000 | title=Child Terrorists Hold Hundreds Hostage in Thailand |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/pmextra/jan00/24/hostage.htm }}</ref> The group held 700 to 800 patients and staff members [[hostage]] for 22 hours. They demanded the Thai government stop shelling Karen positions in Burma and treatment for their wounded. They planted "booby" traps in the hospital and threatened to blow up the hospital.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2000/jan/25/burma|title=God's Army holds hundreds hostage|last=Aglionby|first=John|date=2000-01-25|website=the Guardian|language=en|access-date=2018-05-02}}</ref> Thai security forces stormed the hospital, killing all 10 of the gunmen.<ref name=time /> After the raid, God's Army were strenuously pursued by the [[Tatmadaw]] (Burmese armed forces) and shunned by other Karen rebels.


==Surrender and disbandment==
==Surrender and disbandment==
In January 2001, the Htoo twins and the less than 20 remaining members of God's Army surrendered to Thai soldiers and requested sanctuary.<ref name=nytimes /> They abandoned the Karens' goal of an autonomous or independent homeland, in exchange for permission to stay in Thailand.
In January 2001, the Htoo twins and the less than 20 remaining members of God's Army surrendered to Thai soldiers and requested sanctuary.<ref name=nytimes /> They abandoned the Karens' goal of an autonomous or independent homeland, in exchange for permission to stay in Thailand.


In July 2006, Johnny Htoo surrendered to Burma's military government with eight other members of God's Army in two groups.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/w-asia/2006/jul/25/072500407.html |title=Myanmar Teen Rebel Leader Surrenders|date=25 July 2006|publisher=Las Vegas Sun|accessdate=14 September 2009 |archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20080104152815/http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/w-asia/2006/jul/25/072500407.html |archivedate = 4 January 2008}}</ref>
In July 2006, Johnny Htoo surrendered to Burma's military government with eight other members of God's Army in two groups.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/w-asia/2006/jul/25/072500407.html |title=Myanmar Teen Rebel Leader Surrenders|date=25 July 2006|publisher=Las Vegas Sun|access-date=14 September 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080104152815/http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/w-asia/2006/jul/25/072500407.html |archive-date = 4 January 2008}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
* [[Karen National [[Unionsexpressen|Unions]]
* [[Karen National Union]]


==References==
==References==
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{{Insurgent groups in Myanmar}}
{{Insurgent groups in Myanmar}}


[[Category:History of Myanmar]]
[[Category:1990s in Myanmar]]
⚫
[[Category:2000s in Myanmar]]
[[Category:Politics of Myanmar]]
[[Category:Politics of Myanmar]]
[[Category:Christian terrorism in Asia]]
[[Category:Christian terrorism in Asia]]
[[Category:Paramilitary organisations based in Myanmar]]
[[Category:Defunct organizations designated as terrorist in Asia]]
[[Category:Ethnic armed organisations in Myanmar]]
[[Category:Secessionist organizations]]
[[Category:Secessionist organizations]]
[[Category:Karen people]]
[[Category:Karen history]]
⚫
[[Category:Rebel groups in Myanmar]]

Latest revision as of 17:01, 18 November 2024

This article is about the defunct insurgent group in Myanmar (Burma). For other uses, see Army of God (disambiguation).

God's Army
ဘုရားသခင်၏ တပ်မတော်
LeadersJohnny and Luther Htoo
Dates of operation1997 (1997)–2006 (2006)
Active regionsKayin State
Myanmar–Thailand border
IdeologyKaren interests
Christian extremism
Size500 (peak)[1]
Allies Vigorous Burmese Student Warriors (alleged)
Opponents Union of Myanmar
Battles and warsInternal conflict in Myanmar

God's Army (Burmese: ဘုရားသခင်၏ တပ်မတော်) was a Christian armed revolutionary group that opposed the then-ruling military junta of Myanmar (Burma).[2][3] The group was an offshoot of the Karen National Union. They were based along the Thailand-Burma border, and conducted a string of audacious guerrilla actions including allegedly being involved in the seizure of the Myanmar embassy in Bangkok in 1999. They have been described as a terrorist organisation.[4][5]

Formation

[edit]

God's Army was formed in an area of eastern Burma populated by the Karen ethnic group, who had been fighting against Burmese army at various times for over fifty years, primarily through the Karen National Union. In the early 90s the Burmese army launched a major operation to secure the route of an oil pipeline through the area.[6][7] God's Army was led by brothers Johnny and Luther Htoo beginning in 1997, who were at that time estimated to be only ten years of age. Some of the followers of the twins believed that they had "Animist and Christian powers".[8] According to the legend among followers, the twins were the only two who defended their village from the Burmese authorities who had constantly persecuted their people for their Christian beliefs and for a desire for ethnic autonomy.[9] The Burmese authorities had destroyed villages, killed Karen fighters, raped dozens of women and caused thousands to flee.[9] The members believed the brothers shouted "God's Army!", leading them to a victory over Burmese troops.[10] The legend of the boys was embraced by locals who viewed the existing Karen National Union as corrupt and ineffective.[6] Some of its members also called themselves as ''Jesus Warriors'' or ''Jesus Commandos''. According to Kwe Htoo, the name of the group was Kaserdoh God's Army.[11]

Activity

[edit]

God's Army[2] was situated in mountainous rainforests along the border between Burma and Thailand.[10] They were a band of Christian guerrillas who maintained an austere lifestyle, including abstinence from sexual intercourse, alcohol, milk, eggs, and pork. The group was estimated to have around 500 fighters in 1998, but gradually declined to anywhere between 100 and 200 men in early 2000. Many left to find work to support their refugee families while others are thought to have left for personal reasons. Meanwhile, the Burmese army had 21,000 troops in the area.[1] In October 1999, a group calling themselves Vigorous Burmese Student Warriors along with the God's Army seized the Burmese embassy in Bangkok and the situation ended with their departure, at which point they were taken in by God's Army.[12] The Burmese Government called the attack "a pure act of terrorism" and in Washington the State Department, which has been critical of the Burmese military regime, also condemned what it called "a terrorist attack".[13]

In January 2000, 10 members of God's Army seized a hospital in Ratchaburi, Thailand.[4] The group held about 500 patients and staff members hostage for 22 hours. They demanded the Thai government stop shelling Karen positions in Burma and treatment for their wounded. They planted "booby" traps in the hospital and threatened to blow up the hospital.[9] Thai security forces stormed the hospital, killing all 10 of the gunmen.[10] After the raid, God's Army were strenuously pursued by the Tatmadaw (Burmese armed forces) and shunned by other Karen rebels.

Surrender and disbandment

[edit]

In January 2001, the Htoo twins and the less than 20 remaining members of God's Army surrendered to Thai soldiers and requested sanctuary.[12] They abandoned the Karens' goal of an autonomous or independent homeland, in exchange for permission to stay in Thailand.

In July 2006, Johnny Htoo surrendered to Burma's military government with eight other members of God's Army in two groups.[14]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Mydans, Seth (1 April 2000). "Burmese Rebel Chief More Boy Than Warrior". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 8 December 2023. Retrieved 2 November 2013.
  2. ^ a b "God's Army". GlobalSecurity.org. Archived from the original on 13 October 2023.
  3. ^ Terry McCarthy and Robert Horn (7 February 2000). "Leading God's Army". Time. Archived from the original on 17 April 2008.
  4. ^ a b Richburg, Keith B. (24 January 2000). "Child Terrorists Hold Hundreds Hostage in Thailand". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on 14 October 2023.
  5. ^ "God's Army -- Myanmar | Terrorist Groups | TRAC". www.trackingterrorism.org. Retrieved 23 February 2018.
  6. ^ a b "Two little boys". The Guardian. London. 27 July 2000. Archived from the original on 13 October 2023. Retrieved 16 January 2012. The cameras found the students in the camp of the twins, who were nine years old at the time
  7. ^ "Terrorist Organization Profile: God's Army". National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism. Archived from the original on 21 December 2013. Retrieved 16 January 2012. Johnny and Luther Htoo, twin brothers who were only nine years old when they formed the God's Army.
  8. ^ Richard S. Ehrlick (27 July 2006). "Bizarre 'God's Army' Led By Young Boys Surrenders". Global Politician. Archived from the original on 18 August 2013.
  9. ^ a b c Aglionby, John (25 January 2000). "God's Army holds hundreds hostage". the Guardian. Archived from the original on 13 October 2023. Retrieved 2 May 2018.
  10. ^ a b c "The Twin Terrors". Time. 7 February 2000. Archived from the original on 16 March 2023. Retrieved 2 November 2013.
  11. ^ "God's Army: The Reason for the Burmese Embassy Siege". Archived from the original on 13 October 2023. Retrieved 2 May 2018 – via PressReader.
  12. ^ a b "Burmese Rebel Twins and 14 Followers Surrender in Thailand". The New York Times. 17 January 2001. Archived from the original on 13 October 2023. Retrieved 2 November 2013.
  13. ^ "BBC News | Asia-Pacific | Embassy gunmen flee". news.bbc.co.uk. Archived from the original on 27 April 2023. Retrieved 23 February 2018.
  14. ^ "Myanmar Teen Rebel Leader Surrenders". Las Vegas Sun. 25 July 2006. Archived from the original on 4 January 2008. Retrieved 14 September 2009.
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