While Burma’s state-run media began reporting the country’s latest cabinet reshuffles late last night, the military has kept quiet about several reported changes within the war office.

The New Light of Myanmar today confirmed several new ministers had been appointed, some had been ‘permitted to retire’ and others had been reassigned.

Among the newly appointed ministers were the nephew of senior general Than Shwe, Dr Paing Soe and the brother-in-law of vice senior general Maung Aye and former commander major general Maung Maung Swe.

But sources inside Burma told Mizzima today the real extent of the reshuffle was much greater with several new changes in the military’s top ranks including the promotion of two former commanders to positions of lieutenant general.

Reports have emerged that major general Myint Hlaing, former commander of the Lashio-based Northeast Command was promoted to lieutenant general and appointed as chief of staff for air defense.

Sources also told Mizzima the former commander of the Taunggyi-based Eastern Command, Lieutenant General Ye Myint had been appointed as chief of defense security.

Six new military commanders were also appointed: brigadier general Thaung Aye as eastern commander, brigadier general  Aung Than Htut as northeast commander, brigadier general Khin Zaw Oo as costal regional commander, brigadier general Wai Lwin as Nay Pyi Daw commander and brigadier general Thet Naing Win as southeastern commander.

Former southeastern commanders major general Soe Naing and major general Khin Maung Myint were appointed as ministers for hotels and tourism and culture respectively.

Burma watchers had speculated that the widely reported power struggle between Than Shwe and Maung Aye would lead to an internal coup in the near future but the removal of Maung Aye’s nephew from the war office has placed the power of the military’s number-two man in doubt.

Thai-based military analyst Htay Aung said Maung Aye’s power was diminishing.

“General Maung Aye is not an active person. He will accept whatever he gets. Some commanders want Maung Aye to take over but he may not want to struggle. He will shelter behind the senior general Than Shwe,” Htay Aung said.

“His power will be reduced slowly. And his loyalists will be kicked off too. The only question is time. Finally . . . Than Shwe  will be the sole dictator.”

Intelligence sources told Mizzima Maung Aye made a quiet visit to China prior to the announcement of the reshuffle. He is also believed to have visited Thailand during the trip.