| Media reports issued on 24 August 2005 indicate that there are unconfirmed rumors that junta leader Senior Gen. Than Shwe has been removed from power in a coup. Although the coup cannot be confirmed and the Thai intelligence agency continues to work to verify the rumor, media reports state that five generals, led by Gen. Maung Aye, staged the coup during a Cabinet meeting on 22 August, reportedly because of corruption and Gen. Than Shwe's alleged involvement in weapons trading. According to reports, the situation in Yangon is calm and there is no known additional security in place on the city's streets. The secretive government and state-controlled media make it difficult to confirm such rumors. |