God's Army () was a Christian armed revolutionary group that opposed the then-ruling military junta of Myanmar (Burma). 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.
Formation
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. 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". 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. The Burmese authorities had destroyed villages, killed Karen fighters, raped dozens of women and caused thousands to flee.
The legend of the boys was embraced by locals who viewed the existing Karen National Union as corrupt and ineffective.
Activity
God's Army 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".
In January 2000, 10 members of God's Army seized a hospital in Ratchaburi, Thailand. 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.
See also
- Karen National Union