At least 38 people were killed in Myanmar on Wednesday in what UN officials are calling the “bloodiest day” since the force took over.
The death toll comes as mass protests, calling for the end of military rule and the release of the country’s elected government leaders, take place across the region.
UN special envoy for Myanmar, Christine Schraner Burgener, said: “Today it was the bloodiest day since the coup happened on February 1.
“We have today – only today – 38 people died. We have now more than over 50 people who have died since the coup started and more have been wounded.”
This figure shared by the UN is consistent with other reports, however accounts are difficult to confirm inside the country.
Security forces were seen firing slingshots at protesters, chasing them down and beating an ambulance crew in a video showing a dramatic escalation of violence against opponents of last month’s military coup, according to the Associated Press.
The military take over and the violent suppression of protests that soon followed have led to condemnation from the international community.
Reacting to Wednesday’s deaths, the UK called for a United Nations Security Council meeting on Friday, while the US said it was considering further action against Myanmar’s military.
The latest violence comes a day after Myanmar’s neighbours urged the military to exercise restraint.
Demonstrators have regularly flooded the streets of cities across the country since the military seized power and ousted the elected government of leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
Their numbers have remained high even as security forces have repeatedly fired tear gas, rubber bullets and live rounds to disperse the crowds, and arrested many protesters.
.png?w=600)
