5 killed during demonstrations in Myanmar

by John Bowden - 03/14/21 7:58 AM ET

At least five people were killed in protests across Myanmar on Sunday as security forces with the backing of the country’s military clashed with demonstrators.

Reuters reported that three anti-coup protesters were killed in the city of Yangon after forces loyal to Myanmar’s military, which deposed the civilian government in a coup several weeks ago, opened fire on civilians.

Two others were killed elsewhere in separate clashes with the military, Reuters noted, adding that the country’s deposed civilian government has vowed to support the demonstrations.

“This is the darkest moment of the nation and the moment that the dawn is close,” said the acting vice president of the deposed National League for Democracy Party government, according to The Associated Press.

“In order to form a federal democracy, which all ethnic brothers who have been suffering various kinds of oppressions from the dictatorship for decades really desired, this revolution is the chance for us to put our efforts together,” Mahn Win Khaing Than continued. “We will never give up to an unjust military, but we will carve our future together with our united power. Our mission must be accomplished.”

The protests came a day after demonstrators rallied in downtown Washington, D.C. in opposition to the military coup outside of Myanmar’s embassy.