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๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฑ Israel /Crime & Justice

US official found dead in Myanmar, State Department confirms

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Under investigation
  • A US government employee assigned to the US Embassy in Yangon, Myanmar, has died.
  • The State Department confirmed the death but provided no further details, citing respect for the family's privacy.
  • The incident occurred at a hotel in Yangon, and a Thai woman has reportedly been detained in connection with the death, though details remain unverified.

The US State Department has confirmed the death of a US government employee assigned to the US Embassy in Yangon, Myanmar. The spokesperson stated, "We can confirm the death of a US government employee assigned to US Embassy Rangoon," but offered no additional details, citing privacy concerns for the family.

We can confirm the death of a US government employee assigned to US Embassy Rangoon.

โ€” State Department spokespersonOfficial confirmation of the US government employee's death.

Sources indicated that the incident took place at a hotel in Yangon last month. The deceased official was found at the Sakura Residence & Hotel, a location within one of the city's primary diplomatic areas. Hotel staff and local police have declined to comment on the matter. The Associated Press reported that a Thai woman has been detained in connection with the death, though Reuters could not independently verify these details.

Thailand's Foreign Ministry acknowledged the situation, stating, "This is currently a matter of consular assistance and an ongoing police investigation being handled through the relevant official channels." They also declined to provide further comment. Myanmar has been experiencing significant political and economic turmoil since the military coup in February 2021, which led to widespread protests and a civil war.

Out of respect for the privacy of the family and loved ones, we have no further information to provide at this time.

โ€” State Department spokespersonReason for withholding further details about the death.

The country's instability has intensified since the former junta chief, Min Aung Hlaing, was sworn in as president following a contested election held amidst ongoing conflict. The circumstances surrounding the US official's death remain unclear, and the investigation is being handled through official channels.

This is currently a matter of consular assistance and an ongoing police investigation being handled through the relevant official channels.

โ€” Thailand's Foreign MinistryStatement regarding Thailand's involvement and the ongoing investigation.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.