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YANGON: Myanmar security forces cracked down on anti-coup protesters in the country’s second-largest city on Friday (February 26), injuring at least three people, two of whom were shot in the chest with bullets. rubber and another who suffered an injury to his leg.
The protesters had gathered on a wide street in front of a park in Mandalay in the early afternoon when security forces arrived and began firing what sounded like gunfire and using flash bang grenades to disperse the crowd.
Later, local residents found bullets, shell casings and other projectiles on one of the main streets and showed them to journalists.
All the victims were transferred to a private clinic for treatment. One of the men who was shot in the chest with a rubber bullet also had a white bandage wrapped around his head. The man with an injured leg was later photographed in a cast that extended from foot to knee.
An injured protester receives medical treatment during a demonstration against the military coup in Mandalay, Myanmar, on February 26, 2021. (Photo: AP)
A protester displays bullets, shotgun shells and rubber bullets used by security forces during a demonstration against the military coup in Mandalay, Myanmar, on February 26, 2021. (Photo: AP)
The clashes underscore the growing tensions between a growing popular revolt and the generals who toppled the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in a February 1 takeover that shocked the international community and reversed years of slow progress toward democracy.
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Also on Friday, a Japanese journalist covering a separate protest in Yangon, the country’s largest city, was detained by police and later released, according to Japan’s Kyodo news agency.
Yuki Kitazumi could be seen in a video that circulated to the media when the police arrested him, with one of the officers briefly placing a baton around the journalist’s neck.
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Hours earlier, Yangon security forces fired warning shots and batted their shields as they moved to disperse more than 1,000 anti-coup protesters.
The protesters had gathered in front of a popular shopping center, carrying banners and chanting slogans denouncing the February 1 coup, even as the security presence increased and a truck with water cannons was brought into the area.
When around 50 riot police moved against the protesters, warning shots were heard and at least one protester was detained by the officers. The security forces drove the protesters off the main road and continued to chase them in nearby lanes, while some ducked into houses to hide.
Protesters participate in a demonstration against the military coup in Yangon on February 26, 2021. (Photo: AFP / Ye Aung Thu)
Security forces blocked a main road in Myaynigone, Yangon in Myanmar on February 26, 2021. (Photo: Naung Kham)
On Thursday, supporters of the Myanmar junta attacked people protesting against the military government, using slingshots, iron bars and knives to wound several of them. Photos and videos posted on social media showed groups attacking people in central Yangon while police stood by without intervening.
Violence erupted when hundreds marched in support of the coup. They carried banners in English with the slogans “We support our defense services” and “We support the State Administration Council,” which is the official name of the board.
A military supporter points a sharp object while confronting pro-democracy protesters during a military support rally in Yangon, Myanmar, on February 25, 2021. (Photo: REUTERS / Stringer)
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Late on Thursday, police turned up in the Tarmwe neighborhood of Yangon, where they tried to clear the streets of residents protesting the military’s appointment of a new administrator for a district. Several arrests were made as people dispersed in front of riot police, who used flash grenades to disperse the crowd.
No pro-military demonstrations appeared to be scheduled for Friday.
Aung San Suu Kyi has not been seen since the coup. About 50 of his supporters held a prayer on Friday outside his home in Yangon. The mansion is where he spent many years under house arrest during previous military governments, and the residence has long held iconic status among his followers.
Buddhists pray in front of Aung San Suu Kyi’s residence in Yangon on February 26, 2021. (Photo: AP)
A Buddhist prays in front of Aung San Suu Kyi’s residence in Yangon on February 26, 2021 (Photo: AP).
“Due to the situation, on this full moon day we are sending love and reciting the Buddha’s teachings to Mother Suu, President U Win Myint and all those illegally detained,” said Hmuu Sitt yan Naing, who joined the group of prayer.
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Aung San Suu Kyi is believed to be currently detained in the capital, Naypyidaw. She is due to appear in court on Monday for the charges brought against her by the military junta. The charges are generally viewed as politically motivated.
Security forces blocked a main road in Myaynigone, Yangon in Myanmar on February 26, 2021. (Photo: Naung Kham)
Protesters near the Singapore embassy in Yangon, Myanmar, on February 26, 2021. (Photo: Naung Kham)
Protesters raise the three-finger salute during a rally against the military coup in Yangon on February 26, 2021 (Photo: AFP / Sai Aung Main).
