18 Protesters Against Coup Myanmar Military Killed Shot

Myanmar military. (Twitter/@htza97)

JAKARTA - At least 18 people were killed and dozens injured on Sunday afternoon February 28, when riot police and the Myanmar military opened fire with hollow-point bullet and rubber bullets at anti-coup protests in several locations across Myanmar

In Yangon, the riots started early in the morning, with riot police and soldiers launching a crackdown on protesters just as they were taking to the streets.

At around 8:30 a.m., security forces surrounded thousands of doctors, nurses, and students from the city's medical, paramedical, dentistry, and pharmacy universities who were preparing to march in Yankin Township, Yangon. About 200 medical students among the group were detained.

Security forces then moved throughout the city to disperse the demonstrators who were still holding out. Repressive measures were used to disperse the masses with gunfire. At least four people were killed, consisting of three youths and a teacher, as reported by The Irrawaddy.

The detained doctors and medical students were released in groups at around 3.30 p.m. from where they are being held at the former COVID-19 quarantine center in Mayangone Township.

Security forces also moved earlier against protesters in several other cities. In Dawei, Tanintharyi region, at least four people were shot dead and about 40 others were injured in a crackdown by riot police against anti-coup protesters in the morning.

At least two people died in the Bago area at midday. This includes a motorcyclist who was killed after being shot in the head by police as they cracked down on protests in Mandalay. Several people including a youth volunteer helping protesters were shot and injured.

In the afternoon, a woman who had just walked on the road in Mandalay was shot in the head and died on the spot. Meanwhile, in Pakkokku, Magwe area, a man who was trying to hide from riot police and soldiers was shot dead by security forces as they faced anti-military coup protests in Pakokku, Magwe Region. Dozens of protesters were reportedly detained.

Separated in Myitkyina, Kachin State, around 50 protesters were reportedly detained in the capital city of Kachin State. A local reporter was detained while covering the clash

Despite using stun grenades and tear gas, the police failed to disperse the demonstrators who were taking part in a national general strike against the Myanmar military regime. Undeterred by the deadly shooting, protesters across the country reorganized and continued their marches in the afternoon.

"The police and military forces have faced peaceful demonstrations, using lethal and less-lethal force which, according to reliable information received by the UN Office of Human Rights, left at least 18 people dead and more than 30 injured," said a statement from the United Nations Office for Human Rights as reported by Reuters.