US to take “firm action” against Myanmar army – Photos

The US government will keep up “firm action” against Myanmar junta, as it proceeds to bloodily suppress mobilizations against the military coup, vowed US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Sunday, after two people were shot dead over the weekend.

Myanmar security forces have been unable to stop the mass protests of the past two weeks and the civil disobedience movement demanding the reversal of the military regime imposed this month and the release of the de facto leader of the political government, Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi.

Also read: Myanmar’s military promises new elections in a year, Aung San Suu Kyi calls for resistance – Photos

“The US will continue to take firm action against those who penetrate violence against the Myanmar people as they demand the restoration of the democratically elected government” of the country, said the leader of US diplomacy on Twitter. “We stand with the people of Burma,” said Mr Blinken, referring to the country’s historic name.

The US Secretary of State’s assurance came ten days after sanctions were imposed on the acting “president” of Myanmar and many military officers of the Myanmar Armed Forces. The new Democratic President of the United States, Joe Biden, has approved the imposition of sanctions on those responsible for the overthrow of the political government, including the Defence Minister and three military-controlled companies operating in the jade and gems sector.

The US Treasury Department also announced additional sanctions against two senior Myanmar Army officers accused of playing a key role in the coup. “If there is more violence against peaceful protesters, the Burmese military will find that today’s sanctions are just the first,” Treasury Secretary, Janet Yellen, said when she announced the sanctions on February 11.

Also read: Myanmar protests against the coup for the fifth day – VIDEO