Myanmar's security forces shot and killed at least 64 protestors, including a young boy, on 'day of shame' in some of the bloodiest scenes yet since the military coup.
Protesters against the February 1 military coup came out on the streets of Yangon, Mandalay and other towns, defying a warning that they could be shot 'in the head and back', while the country's generals celebrated Armed Forces Day.
'Today is a day of shame for the armed forces,' Dr. Sasa, a spokesman for CRPH, an anti-junta group set up by deposed lawmakers, told an online forum.
A wounded protester is seen after security forces intervene in protesters during a protest against military coup and detention of elected government members in Mandalay, Myanmar
More than 60 protestors are believed to have been killed by Myanmar security forces today. Pictured: Anti-coup protesters extinguish fires during a protest in Thaketa township Yangon, Myanmar
Protesters against the February 1 military coup came out on the streets of Yangon, Mandalay and other towns, defying a warning that they could be shot 'in the head and back'. Pictured: aAman displaying spent cartridges as security forces opened fire during a demonstration
The latest violence against the protestors has been branded a 'day of shame' Pictured: Protesters carry an injured man to safety in Kawthoung, Myanmar, (left) and smoke rises from what appears to be a burning vehicle during the protest against military coup
Family members were seen crying in front of a man after he was shot dead during an anti-coup protesters crackdown in Yangon, Myanmar
The deaths on Saturday, one of the bloodiest days since the coup, takes the number of civilians reported killed to nearly 400. Pictured: A protester shows a bullet during a protest against military coup
The deaths on Saturday, one of the bloodiest days since the coup, takes the number of civilians reported killed to nearly 400. Tens of thousands of people demonstrated in parts of Myanmar today.
A boy reported by local media to be as young as five was among at least 13 people killed in Myanmar's second city of Mandalay.
The Myanmar Now news portal said 64 people had been killed in total across the country by 2.30pm local time.
Three people, including a man who plays in a local under-21 football team, were killed in a protest in the Insein district of Myanmar's biggest city Yangon, a neighbour said.
'They are killing us like birds or chickens, even in our homes,' said Thu Ya Zaw in the central town of Myingyan, where at least two protesters were killed. 'We will keep protesting regardless... We must fight until the junta falls.'
Deaths were reported from the central Sagaing region, Lashio in the east, in the Bago region, near Yangon, and elsewhere. A one year-old baby was hit in the eye with a rubber bullet.
Tens of thousands of people demonstrated in parts of Myanmar today. Pictured: Wounded hand of a protester is seen after security forces intervene in protesters during a protest in Mandalay
One of Myanmar's two dozen ethnic armed groups, the Karen National Union, said it had overrun an army post near the Thai border, killing 10 people. Pictured: Bullet holes are seen on the window at American Center Yangon (ACY) in Yangon, Myanmar
A military spokesman did not respond to calls seeking comment on the killings by security forces. Pictured: Protesters holding homemade shields during a demonstration against the military coup in Dawei
A security officer was seen appearing to kick a man who was lying on the street in Sanchaung, Yangon, Myanmar, today
The warning did not specifically say security forces had been given shoot-to-kill orders and the junta has previously suggested some fatal shootings have come from within the crowds. Pictured: Protesters make Molotov cocktails during a rally against the military coup in Yangon, Myanmar
Protestors make a makeshift slingshot using a hard hat in order to launch rocks during the rally in Yangon, Myanmar
To take on the police, a group of protestors in Thaketa township Yangon, Myanmar, made makeshift bow and arrows
As well as wearing protective gear, the protestors in Thaketa township Yangon, Myanmar, armed themselves with makeshift airguns to confront police
Anti-coup protesters prepare with makeshift airgun during police crackdown at Thaketa township in Yangon, Myanmar
Meanwhile, one of Myanmar's two dozen ethnic armed groups, the Karen National Union, said it had overrun an army post near the Thai border, killing 10 people - including a lieutenant colonel - and losing one of its own fighters.
Myanmar's ethnic armed factions will not stand by and allow more killings, the leader of one of the main armed groups said on Saturday.
A military spokesman did not respond to calls seeking comment on the killings by security forces or the insurgent attack on its post.
After presiding over a military parade in the capital Naypyitaw to mark Armed Forces Day, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing reiterated a promise to hold elections after overthrowing elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi, without giving any time-frame.
Large groups of protestors, wearing face masks, hard hats and some wearing protective goggles, took to the streets in Mandalay, Myanmar
Several protestors at the march in Mandalay, Myanmar, were also seen wearing protective vests and other head gear
In a warning on Friday evening, state television said protesters were 'in danger of getting shot to the head and back'. Pictured: An anti-coup protester throws a smoke bomb against police crackdown in Thaketa township
Protestors set up makeshift barricades to deter security forces during a demonstration against the military coup in Yangon's Hlaing township
Deaths were reported from the central Sagaing region, Lashio in the east, in the Bago region, near Yangon, and elsewhere. Pictured: A man stands behind a barricade during a protest against the military coup, in Yangon, Myanmar
'The army seeks to join hands with the entire nation to safeguard democracy,' the general said in a live broadcast on state television, adding that authorities also sought to protect the people and restore peace across the country.
'Violent acts that affect stability and security in order to make demands are inappropriate.'
In a warning on Friday evening, state television said protesters were 'in danger of getting shot to the head and back'.
The warning did not specifically say security forces had been given shoot-to-kill orders and the junta has previously suggested some fatal shootings have come from within the crowds.
The body of 18-year-old Hein Thant, who was shot in the head, is carried away during a protest against the military coup in Mandalay, Myanmar
Family members crying over the body of policeman Chit Lin Thu, who had joined the protests against the military coup
Chit Lin Thu was shot dead by security forces during a demonstration in Yangon's Insein township
People lay flowers at the site where policeman Chit Lin Thu, who had joined the protests against the military coup, was shot dead by security forces during a demonstration in Yangon's Insein township
But it showed the military's determination to prevent any disruptions around Armed Forces Day, which commemorates the start of the resistance to Japanese occupation in 1945 that was orchestrated by Suu Kyi's father, the founder of the military.
Suu Kyi, Myanmar's most popular civilian politician, remains in detention at an undisclosed location. Many other figures in her party are also being held in custody.
In a week that saw international pressure on the junta ramped up with new U.S. and European sanctions, Russia's deputy defence minister Alexander Fomin attended the parade in Naypyitaw, having met senior junta leaders a day earlier.
'Russia is a true friend,' Min Aung Hlaing said. There were no signs of other diplomats at an event that is usually attended by scores of officials from foreign nations.
Myanmar military Commander-in-Chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing participates in a parade during the 76th Armed Forces Day in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, today
Members of the armed forces rode horses as part of a parade to celebrate the 76th Armed Forces Day in Naypyitaw
As people were killed by Myanmar security forces during protests today, the country's generals celebrated Armed Forces Day (pictured)
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing reiterated a promise to hold elections after overthrowing elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Pictured: Military aircrafts fly by during the 76th Armed Forces Day in Naypyitaw
The deaths and resistance to protests today showed the military's determination to prevent any disruptions around Armed Forces Day (pictured)
Support from Russia and China, which has also refrained from criticism, is important for the junta as they are permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and can block potential U.N. actions.
Gunshots hit the U.S. cultural centre in Yangon on Saturday, but nobody was hurt and the incident was being investigated, U.S. embassy spokesperson Aryani Manring said. The United States has led criticism of the killings of protesters.
Protesters have taken to the streets almost daily since the coup that derailed Myanmar's slow transition to democracy, despite the mounting toll.
'The Myanmar Armed Forces Day isn't an armed forces day, it's more like the day they killed people,' General Yawd Serk, chair of the Restoration Council of Shan State/Shan State Army - South, told Reuters in neighbouring Thailand.
'If they continue to shoot at protesters and bully the people, I think all the ethnic groups would not just stand by and do nothing.'
Author and historian Thant Myint-U wrote on Twitter: 'A failed state in Myanmar has the potential to draw in all the big powers - including the US, China, India, Russia, and Japan - in a way that could lead to a serious international crisis (as well as an even greater catastrophe in Myanmar itself)'.
No comments:
Post a Comment