Posted by JCS on February 20, 2021
Flowers and sympathy messages are placed on the ground in honor of Mya Thwate Thwate Khaing who died from a gunshot wound after being hit in the head last week, during a demonstration against the military coup in Yangon on February 19, 2021. (Photo by Ye Aung THU / AFP)
YANGON, Myanmar (AFP) — Washington has urged the leaders of Myanmar’s new military regime to refrain from violence and relinquish power, after the death of a young anti-coup protester sparked new anger against the junta.
Much of the country has been in uproar since troops deposed civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1, with large street demonstrations in both urban centres and isolated villages.
Security forces have responded with increasing force, deploying troops against peaceful rallies and firing tear gas, water cannon and rubber bullets.
Condemnation of the violence has been fierce, and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has held talks with allied countries in recent days to press for a firm international response.