The United States has announced keeping up “firm action” against Myanmar military junta after two protesters were shot dead on Sunday.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a post on Twitter: “The United States will continue to take firm action against those who perpetrate violence against the people of Burma as they demand the restoration of their democratically elected government.”
“We stand with the people of Burma,” the secretary continued.
The US imposed sanctions on February 11 on the acting president of Myanmar and several military officers.
President Joe Biden approved sanctions on those responsible for the ouster of NLD party government, including the defense minister and three companies in the jade and gems sector.
The treasury department also updated sanctions on top two military officials, accusing them of playing a leading role in the coup.
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has warned that “if there is more violence against peaceful protesters, the Burmese military will find that today’s sanctions are just the first.”
Myanmar’s people have been protesting against the ouster of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi’s government by the military on unsubstantiated allegations of fraud in November election and security forces have been unable to stop them.
