Myanmar security forces shoot three protestors dead as they step up use of lethal force

Myanmar death toll rises to 18 as security forces shoot into crowds and hurl stun grenades as they step up force against opponents of military coup

  • Myanmar has been in chaos since the military ousted country’s civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1 
  • The armed forces are now battling to contain a massive street movement demanding that it release Suu Kyi
  • Eighteen were killed and at least 30 others injured when security forces moved on a rally in the city of Dawei 
  • Police and soldiers had already fired rubber bullets, tear gas and water cannon on protests in recent weeks 

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A crackdown on anti-coup protesters in Myanmar has left at least 18 people dead and more than 30 wounded, the UN Human Rights Office has revealed.

It is the highest single-day death toll among protesters who are demanding that the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi be restored to power after being ousted by a coup on February 1.

There were reports of gunfire as police in Yangon, the country’s biggest city, fired tear gas and water cannons while trying to clear the streets of demonstrators.

Photos of shell casings from live ammunition used in assault rifles were posted on social media.

‘Deaths reportedly occurred as a result of live ammunition fired into crowds in Yangon, Dawei, Mandalay, Myeik, Bago and Pokokku,’ The UN body said in a statement, referring to several cities in Myanmar.

‘Tear gas was also reportedly used in various locations as well as flash-bang and stun grenades.’

‘We strongly condemn the escalating violence against protests in Myanmar and call on the military to immediately halt the use of force against peaceful protesters,’ its spokesman Ravina Shamdasani was quoted saying.

Reports on social media identified by name one young man believed to have been killed in Yangon. His body was shown in photos and videos lying on a pavement until other protesters were able to carry him away.

A violent crackdown also occurred in Dawei, a much smaller city in south-eastern Myanmar, where local media reported that at least three people were killed during a protest march.     

People gather to protest against the military coup in Mandalay, Myanmar with reports of at least 18 people being killed

People gather to protest against the military coup in Mandalay, Myanmar with reports of at least 18 people being killed

People gather to protest against the military coup in Mandalay, Myanmar with reports of at least 18 people being killed

It is the highest single-day death toll among protesters who are demanding that the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi be restored to power after being ousted by a coup on February 1

It is the highest single-day death toll among protesters who are demanding that the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi be restored to power after being ousted by a coup on February 1

It is the highest single-day death toll among protesters who are demanding that the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi be restored to power after being ousted by a coup on February 1

Protesters defend themselves with makeshift shields during clashes with riot police on Sunday in Yangon, Myanmar's biggest city

Protesters defend themselves with makeshift shields during clashes with riot police on Sunday in Yangon, Myanmar's biggest city

Protesters defend themselves with makeshift shields during clashes with riot police on Sunday in Yangon, Myanmar’s biggest city

There were reports of gunfire as police in Yangon, the country's biggest city, fired tear gas and water cannons while trying to clear the streets of demonstrators

There were reports of gunfire as police in Yangon, the country's biggest city, fired tear gas and water cannons while trying to clear the streets of demonstrators

There were reports of gunfire as police in Yangon, the country’s biggest city, fired tear gas and water cannons while trying to clear the streets of demonstrators

Protesters attempt to put out a tear gas canister fired by riot police in Yangon on Sunday as demonstrations continued

Protesters attempt to put out a tear gas canister fired by riot police in Yangon on Sunday as demonstrations continued

Protesters attempt to put out a tear gas canister fired by riot police in Yangon on Sunday as demonstrations continued

Myanmar's military government has intensified a crackdown on protesters in recent days, using tear gas, charging at and arresting protesters and journalists

Myanmar's military government has intensified a crackdown on protesters in recent days, using tear gas, charging at and arresting protesters and journalists

Myanmar’s military government has intensified a crackdown on protesters in recent days, using tear gas, charging at and arresting protesters and journalists

Protesters wearing masks depicting ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi, flash three-finger salutes as they take part in a protest against the military coup in Yangon

Protesters wearing masks depicting ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi, flash three-finger salutes as they take part in a protest against the military coup in Yangon

Protesters wearing masks depicting ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi, flash three-finger salutes as they take part in a protest against the military coup in Yangon

The junta is battling to contain a massive street movement demanding it yield power and release ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who was detained along with top political allies at the start of the month

The junta is battling to contain a massive street movement demanding it yield power and release ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who was detained along with top political allies at the start of the month

The junta is battling to contain a massive street movement demanding it yield power and release ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who was detained along with top political allies at the start of the month

Before Sunday, there had been eight confirmed reports of killings linked to the army’s takeover, according to the independent Assistance Association of Political Prisoners.

The coup reversed years of slow progress toward democracy after five decades of military rule.

Ms Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy party would have been installed for a second five-year term in office, but the army blocked parliament from convening and detained her and president Win Myint, as well as other top members of Ms Suu Kyi’s government.

Sunday’s violence erupted in the early morning when medical students were marching in Yangon’s streets near the Hledan Centre junction, which has become the gathering point for protesters who then fan out to other parts of the city.

Videos and photos showed protesters running away as police charged at them, and residents setting up makeshift roadblocks to slow their advance.

Some protesters managed to throw tear gas cannisters back at police. Nearby, residents were pleading with police to release those they picked up from the street and shoved into police vans to be taken away. Dozens or more were believed to have been detained.

Sounds of gunfire could be heard in the streets of Yangon and there were what appeared to be smoke grenades thrown into the crowds.

‘The Myanmar security forces’ clear escalation in use of lethal force in multiple towns and cities across the country in response to mostly peaceful anti-coup protesters is outrageous and unacceptable, and must be immediately halted,’ said Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director for New York-based Human Rights Watch.

‘Live ammunition should not be used to control or disperse protests and lethal force can only be used to protect life or prevent serious injury.’

‘The world is watching the actions of the Myanmar military junta, and will hold them accountable,’ he said.  

Three men were killed and at least 20 others injured when security forces moved on a rally in the southern coastal hub of Dawei, according to a volunteer medic and local media reports.

Rescue worker Pyae Zaw Hein told AFP the trio was ‘shot dead with live rounds’, while the injured were hit by rubber bullets. 

Protesters take cover as they clash with riot police officers during a protest against the military coup in Yangon, Myanmar

Protesters take cover as they clash with riot police officers during a protest against the military coup in Yangon, Myanmar

Protesters take cover as they clash with riot police officers during a protest against the military coup in Yangon, Myanmar

Protesters hold posters with the image of detained civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi during a demonstration against the military coup in Naypyidaw

Protesters hold posters with the image of detained civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi during a demonstration against the military coup in Naypyidaw

Protesters hold posters with the image of detained civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi during a demonstration against the military coup in Naypyidaw

Three men were killed and at least 20 others injured when security forces moved on a rally in Dawei according to a volunteer medic and local media reports

Three men were killed and at least 20 others injured when security forces moved on a rally in Dawei according to a volunteer medic and local media reports

Three men were killed and at least 20 others injured when security forces moved on a rally in Dawei according to a volunteer medic and local media reports

Items including spent casings and projectiles after security forces launched a crackdown on protesters taking part in a demonstration against the military coup in Dawei

Items including spent casings and projectiles after security forces launched a crackdown on protesters taking part in a demonstration against the military coup in Dawei

Items including spent casings and projectiles after security forces launched a crackdown on protesters taking part in a demonstration against the military coup in Dawei

A protester sprays a fire extinguisher as demonstrators clash with riot police officers on Sunday following weeks of demonstrations

A protester sprays a fire extinguisher as demonstrators clash with riot police officers on Sunday following weeks of demonstrations

A protester sprays a fire extinguisher as demonstrators clash with riot police officers on Sunday following weeks of demonstrations

Demonstrators clash with riot police officers during a protest against the military coup in Yangon, Myanmar on Sunday

Demonstrators clash with riot police officers during a protest against the military coup in Yangon, Myanmar on Sunday

Demonstrators clash with riot police officers during a protest against the military coup in Yangon, Myanmar on Sunday

A protester uses a slingshot as demonstrators clash with riot police officers during a protest against the military coup in Yangon, Myanmar

A protester uses a slingshot as demonstrators clash with riot police officers during a protest against the military coup in Yangon, Myanmar

A protester uses a slingshot as demonstrators clash with riot police officers during a protest against the military coup in Yangon, Myanmar

A riot police officer fires a rubber bullet toward protesters during a protest against the military coup which saw civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi detained

A riot police officer fires a rubber bullet toward protesters during a protest against the military coup which saw civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi detained

A riot police officer fires a rubber bullet toward protesters during a protest against the military coup which saw civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi detained

Protesters holding signs while taking part in a demonstration against the military coup in Dawei, capital of the Tanintharyi Region

Protesters holding signs while taking part in a demonstration against the military coup in Dawei, capital of the Tanintharyi Region

Protesters holding signs while taking part in a demonstration against the military coup in Dawei, capital of the Tanintharyi Region 

Riot police officers fire teargas canisters during a protest against the military coup in Yangon, Myanmar amid violent clashes Sunday

Riot police officers fire teargas canisters during a protest against the military coup in Yangon, Myanmar amid violent clashes Sunday

Riot police officers fire teargas canisters during a protest against the military coup in Yangon, Myanmar amid violent clashes Sunday

A protester running from tear gas fired by security forces in an attempt to disperse protesters taking part in a demonstration against the military coup in Dawei

A protester running from tear gas fired by security forces in an attempt to disperse protesters taking part in a demonstration against the military coup in Dawei

A protester running from tear gas fired by security forces in an attempt to disperse protesters taking part in a demonstration against the military coup in Dawei

Protesters make the three-finger salute while holding posters with the image of detained civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi during a demonstration against the military coup in Naypyidaw

Protesters make the three-finger salute while holding posters with the image of detained civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi during a demonstration against the military coup in Naypyidaw

Protesters make the three-finger salute while holding posters with the image of detained civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi during a demonstration against the military coup in Naypyidaw

Police vehicles block a road during a demonstration by protesters against the military coup in Naypyidaw

Police vehicles block a road during a demonstration by protesters against the military coup in Naypyidaw

Police vehicles block a road during a demonstration by protesters against the military coup in Naypyidaw

The junta has ratcheted up its use of force over the weekend against the massive street movement demanding it yield power and release ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi

The junta has ratcheted up its use of force over the weekend against the massive street movement demanding it yield power and release ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi

The junta has ratcheted up its use of force over the weekend against the massive street movement demanding it yield power and release ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi

A demonstrator gestures as he speaks during a protest against the military coup in Mandalay. Security forces intensified their use of force to crack down on anti-coup demonstrations

A demonstrator gestures as he speaks during a protest against the military coup in Mandalay. Security forces intensified their use of force to crack down on anti-coup demonstrations

A demonstrator gestures as he speaks during a protest against the military coup in Mandalay. Security forces intensified their use of force to crack down on anti-coup demonstrations 

Police fired tear gas to disperse protesters in parts of Yangon. There have been unconfirmed reports of other deaths elsewhere in Yangon

Police fired tear gas to disperse protesters in parts of Yangon. There have been unconfirmed reports of other deaths elsewhere in Yangon

Police fired tear gas to disperse protesters in parts of Yangon. There have been unconfirmed reports of other deaths elsewhere in Yangon

‘There could be many more casualties as well because more wounded people keep coming in,’ he added.

Local media outlet Dawei Watch confirmed that three had died in the incident.

There have been unconfirmed reports of other deaths elsewhere in the country, including commercial hub Yangon.

Officers there began dispersing one downtown crowd minutes before the slated beginning of the day’s protest, but it was unclear whether they used live rounds.

‘Police started shooting just as we arrived,’ said Amy Kyaw, a 29-year-old primary school teacher.

‘They didn’t say a word of warning. Some got injured and some teachers are still hiding in neighbours’ houses.’

Elsewhere in the city, protesters took up positions behind barricades and wielded homemade shields to defend themselves against the onslaught, with police using tear gas to clear some rallies.

At least one journalist documenting Sunday’s assaults by security forces was beaten and detained in Myitkyina, a northern city at the headwaters of the Irrawaddy river, according to local outlet The 74 Media.

Another reporter was shot with rubber bullets while covering a protest in the central city of Pyay, their employer said.

Live broadcasts showed security forces using water cannon against crowds in central Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city and cultural capital.

Since the military takeover on February 1, Myanmar has been roiled by giant demonstrations and a civil disobedience campaign encouraging civil servants to walk off the job.

Protesters hold posters with the image of detained civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi during a demonstration against the military coup in Naypyidaw

Protesters hold posters with the image of detained civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi during a demonstration against the military coup in Naypyidaw

Protesters hold posters with the image of detained civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi during a demonstration against the military coup in Naypyidaw

A protester holds a homemade shield with the words CDM for "civil disobedience movement" during a demonstration against the military coup in Yangon

A protester holds a homemade shield with the words CDM for "civil disobedience movement" during a demonstration against the military coup in Yangon

A protester holds a homemade shield with the words CDM for ‘civil disobedience movement’ during a demonstration against the military coup in Yangon

Protesters take cover behind homemade shields during a demonstration against the military coup in Yangon, Myanmar

Protesters take cover behind homemade shields during a demonstration against the military coup in Yangon, Myanmar

Protesters take cover behind homemade shields during a demonstration against the military coup in Yangon, Myanmar

Since the military takeover on February 1, Myanmar has been roiled by giant demonstrations and a civil disobedience campaign encouraging civil servants to walk off the job

Since the military takeover on February 1, Myanmar has been roiled by giant demonstrations and a civil disobedience campaign encouraging civil servants to walk off the job

Since the military takeover on February 1, Myanmar has been roiled by giant demonstrations and a civil disobedience campaign encouraging civil servants to walk off the job

Protesters erect makeshift barricades to obstruct security forces during a demonstration against the military coup in Yangon

Protesters erect makeshift barricades to obstruct security forces during a demonstration against the military coup in Yangon

Protesters erect makeshift barricades to obstruct security forces during a demonstration against the military coup in Yangon

Security forces intensified their use of force to crack down on anti-coup demonstrations following weeks of unrest since the coup

Security forces intensified their use of force to crack down on anti-coup demonstrations following weeks of unrest since the coup

Security forces intensified their use of force to crack down on anti-coup demonstrations following weeks of unrest since the coup

Demonstrators set up barricades during a protest against the military coup which ousted Myanmar's civilian government

Demonstrators set up barricades during a protest against the military coup which ousted Myanmar's civilian government

Demonstrators set up barricades during a protest against the military coup which ousted Myanmar’s civilian government

Demonstrators flash the three-finger salute during a protest against the military coup in Yangon as protests continue on Sunday

Demonstrators flash the three-finger salute during a protest against the military coup in Yangon as protests continue on Sunday

Demonstrators flash the three-finger salute during a protest against the military coup in Yangon as protests continue on Sunday

Demonstrators react as riot policemen fire tear gas during a protest against the military coup in Yangon on Sunday

Demonstrators react as riot policemen fire tear gas during a protest against the military coup in Yangon on Sunday

Demonstrators react as riot policemen fire tear gas during a protest against the military coup in Yangon on Sunday

A demonstrator wears a gas mask during a protest against the military coup, in Yangon, Myanmar on Sunday

A demonstrator wears a gas mask during a protest against the military coup, in Yangon, Myanmar on Sunday

A demonstrator wears a gas mask during a protest against the military coup, in Yangon, Myanmar on Sunday

Protesters erect makeshift barricades to obstruct security forces during a demonstration against the military coup in Yangon

Protesters erect makeshift barricades to obstruct security forces during a demonstration against the military coup in Yangon

Protesters erect makeshift barricades to obstruct security forces during a demonstration against the military coup in Yangon

Demonstrators hold shields as they face riot police during a protest against the military coup, in Yangon, Myanmar

Demonstrators hold shields as they face riot police during a protest against the military coup, in Yangon, Myanmar

Demonstrators hold shields as they face riot police during a protest against the military coup, in Yangon, Myanmar

Protesters in Yangon took up positions behind barricades and wielded homemade shields to defend themselves against the onslaught

Protesters in Yangon took up positions behind barricades and wielded homemade shields to defend themselves against the onslaught

Protesters in Yangon took up positions behind barricades and wielded homemade shields to defend themselves against the onslaught

International condemnation of the coup has been fierce, with the United States, the European Union and other major powers denouncing violence against protesters

International condemnation of the coup has been fierce, with the United States, the European Union and other major powers denouncing violence against protesters

International condemnation of the coup has been fierce, with the United States, the European Union and other major powers denouncing violence against protesters 

demonstrator pours water on a tear gas canister fired by police (not pictured) during a protest against the military coup, in Yangon

demonstrator pours water on a tear gas canister fired by police (not pictured) during a protest against the military coup, in Yangon

demonstrator pours water on a tear gas canister fired by police (not pictured) during a protest against the military coup, in Yangon

Security forces intensified their use of force to crack down on anti-coup demonstrations following weeks of unrest since the coup

Security forces intensified their use of force to crack down on anti-coup demonstrations following weeks of unrest since the coup

Security forces intensified their use of force to crack down on anti-coup demonstrations following weeks of unrest since the coup

Suu Kyi has not been seen in public since she was taken into custody during pre-dawn raids in the capital Naypyidaw as the coup was launched

Suu Kyi has not been seen in public since she was taken into custody during pre-dawn raids in the capital Naypyidaw as the coup was launched

Suu Kyi has not been seen in public since she was taken into custody during pre-dawn raids in the capital Naypyidaw as the coup was launched

Sunday’s crackdown followed a similar wave of violent action against angry but largely peaceful anti-coup rallies around the country a day earlier.

Several journalists documenting Saturday’s assaults by security forces were detained, including an Associated Press photographer in Yangon.

Near the city’s main university, police fired several stun grenades to clear a crowd at a protest hotspot.

More than 850 people have been arrested, charged or sentenced since the coup, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners monitoring group.

But the weekend crackdown was expected to raise that number dramatically, with state newspapers reporting 479 arrests on Saturday alone.

International condemnation of the coup has been fierce, with the United States, the European Union and other major powers denouncing violence against protesters.

Suu Kyi has not been seen in public since she was taken into custody during pre-dawn raids in the capital Naypyidaw as the coup was launched.

Demonstrators react as riot policemen fire tear gas during a protest against the military coup in Yangon on Sunday

Demonstrators react as riot policemen fire tear gas during a protest against the military coup in Yangon on Sunday

Demonstrators react as riot policemen fire tear gas during a protest against the military coup in Yangon on Sunday

Demonstrators gesture at riot police behind makeshift barricades during a protest against the military coup in Mandalay

Demonstrators gesture at riot police behind makeshift barricades during a protest against the military coup in Mandalay

Demonstrators gesture at riot police behind makeshift barricades during a protest against the military coup in Mandalay

Demonstrator take cover behind shields during a protest against the military coup in Yangon, Myanmar on Sunday

Demonstrator take cover behind shields during a protest against the military coup in Yangon, Myanmar on Sunday

Demonstrator take cover behind shields during a protest against the military coup in Yangon, Myanmar on Sunday

A demonstrator runs during a protest against the military coup in Yangon. Myanmar has been hit by protests since the coup

A demonstrator runs during a protest against the military coup in Yangon. Myanmar has been hit by protests since the coup

A demonstrator runs during a protest against the military coup in Yangon. Myanmar has been hit by protests since the coup

Riot police break up a barricade during a protest against the military coup in Yangon, Myanmar, as clashes continue

Riot police break up a barricade during a protest against the military coup in Yangon, Myanmar, as clashes continue

Riot police break up a barricade during a protest against the military coup in Yangon, Myanmar, as clashes continue

Demonstrators stand behind a barrier of waste containers as they face riot police during a protest against the military coup, in Yangon

Demonstrators stand behind a barrier of waste containers as they face riot police during a protest against the military coup, in Yangon

Demonstrators stand behind a barrier of waste containers as they face riot police during a protest against the military coup, in Yangon

A member of Red Cross walks amid protests against the military coup in Dawei, Myanmar following weeks of clashes

A member of Red Cross walks amid protests against the military coup in Dawei, Myanmar following weeks of clashes

A member of Red Cross walks amid protests against the military coup in Dawei, Myanmar following weeks of clashes

Protesters erect makeshift barricades to obstruct security forces during a demonstration against the military coup in Yangon

Protesters erect makeshift barricades to obstruct security forces during a demonstration against the military coup in Yangon

Protesters erect makeshift barricades to obstruct security forces during a demonstration against the military coup in Yangon 

State media announced Saturday that the junta had sacked the country's United Nations envoy, who gave an impassioned plea for help on behalf of Myanmar's ousted civilian government

State media announced Saturday that the junta had sacked the country's United Nations envoy, who gave an impassioned plea for help on behalf of Myanmar's ousted civilian government

State media announced Saturday that the junta had sacked the country’s United Nations envoy, who gave an impassioned plea for help on behalf of Myanmar’s ousted civilian government

She is due to face court there on Monday under obscure charges for possession of unregistered walkie-talkies and violating coronavirus restrictions on public gatherings.

But her lawyer Khin Maung Zaw told AFP he had still been unable to meet with the Nobel laureate ahead of the hearing.

‘As a lawyer, I put my trust in the court and… a fair trial,’ he said. ‘But in this period of time anything can happen.’

State media announced Saturday that the junta had sacked the country’s United Nations envoy, who gave an impassioned plea for help on behalf of Myanmar’s ousted civilian government.

The UN said there had been no official notice of the diplomat’s firing and that he remained Myanmar’s representative for the moment.

Before Sunday, at least five people had been killed since the army takeover — four of them from injuries sustained at anti-coup demonstrations.

One police officer also died while attempting to quell a protest, the military has said.

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