YANGON, KOMPAS.TV – Myanmar security forces killed at least 114 people, including several children, in the brutal crackdown on pro-democracy protesters on Saturday (27/03/2021), the bloodiest day since last month’s military coup, news reports and eyewitnesses such as reported by the Associated Press, Sunday, (28/03/2021)
The murder, which occurred on Armed Forces Day, drew strong criticism from Western countries. British Ambassador Dan Chugg said security forces had “embarrassed themselves” and the US envoy called the violence horrific.
Military jets also launched air strikes on a village in an area controlled by armed groups from the ethnic Karen minority and killed at least two people, a civil society group said.
Earlier, the Karen National Union said it had stormed a military post near the Thai border, killing 10 people – including a lieutenant colonel – and losing one of its own members as tensions with the military escalated after years of relative peace.
Also Read: Myanmar military shows strength through parades amid coup protests
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the junta leader, said in the Armed Forces Day parade, the military would protect the people and fight for democracy.
Protesters took to the streets on Saturday (27/03/2021) in Yangon, Mandalay and other cities, as they have been doing on an almost daily basis since the February 1 coup that toppled elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
– .
