Myanmar riot police crossing blockage during a protest against the military coup in Mandalay, Myanmar on February 28, 2021. Security forces in Myanmar used lethal force as they intensified their efforts to break up protests a month after the military staged a coup. At least four people were reportedly killed on Sunday. (AP/PTI Photo)
Yangon, February 28 (AP): The UN Human Rights Office says it has received credible information that a crackdown Sunday on anti-coup protesters in Myanmar has left at least 18 people dead and over 30 wounded.
Deaths reportedly occurred as a result of live ammunition fired into crowds in Yangon, Dawei, Mandalay, Myeik, Bago and Pokokku, it 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 spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani was quoted saying.
It would be 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 Feb. 1 coup.
