Illustrative image
The recent successful coup d’état in Maynamar has thrown the entire country into a spiral of violence that does not seem to be nearing its end any time soon.
The coup d’état began on the morning of February 1, when members of Myanmar’s ruling party, the National League for Democracy, were deposed by the Tatmadaw, Myanmar’s Armed Forces, which vested power in a stratocracy.
The successful coup led to riots as many supporters of the government took to the streets throughout the country to protest against the rule of the Tatmadaw and call for the release and reinstatement of State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and other detained elected officials.
This led to intense clashes between rioters and security forces that led to multiple casualties.
Protesters against Myanmar’s military coup keep returning to the streets in defiance of attempts by junta forces to stop them #WhatsHappeningInMyanmar video via Anadolu Agency pic.twitter.com/co4F4jGWZ8
— Matthew Tostevin (@TostevinM) March 2, 2021
#March1Coup: WATCH as 7 helmeted police beat a civilian with truncheons. Then kick him as he lies on the ground. Sanchaung, Yangon. #Myanmarcoup #CrimesAgainstHumanity pic.twitter.com/Qc8AFVj3X4
— Shafiur Rahman (@shafiur) March 1, 2021
#March3Coup Yangon. Terrorist group soldier fires directly into apartment at person taking video. #WhatsHappeninglnMyanmar #Myanmarcoup pic.twitter.com/eyzzXijvxE
— Shafiur Rahman (@shafiur) March 3, 2021
The Act of Myanmar Military Coup Violation and commit crime against huminity.
We, Myanmar civilian have been announced the terrorist the Myanmar Military and Police. #MyanmarTerroristMilitary pic.twitter.com/pRWkr7D0KX— Thiri Kywe Kywe (@ThiriKyweKywe) March 3, 2021
Sources in Myanmar claims that the crackdown has claimed the lives of 59 people so far. More than 1,700 others were allegedly detained by authorities.
The coup was condemned by the US and the European Union. Yet, the Tatmadaw is still standing by its decision to seize power, citing voter fraud in last November’s election, which was won by Suu Kyi’s party with a landslide, as the reason.
Coup leader Gen. Min Aung Hlaing has already pledged to hold new elections. Nevertheless, the chances of the crisis winding down soon remain slim.
