Mar 15, 2021 - World

Martial law declared in city on Myanmar's deadliest day since coup

Rebecca Falconer

A resident, who was injured during a crackdown by security forces on demonstrations by protesters against the military coup, is carried to safety in Yangon's Hlaing Tharyar township on March 14 — A resident, injured during a crackdown by security forces on demonstrations by protesters against the military coup, is carried to safety in Yangon's Hlaing Tharyar township on Sunday. Photo: STR/AFP via Getty Images

Myanmar's ruling junta imposed martial law on townships in the country's most populous city Sunday following the deadliest day since the Feb 1 coup, per Reuters.

Driving the news: At least 38 civilians were killed in live ammunition Sunday, said the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, an independent monitoring group, in a statement. A police officer was also killed.

34 civilians lost their lives in Yangon, where martial law was imposed as Chinese-financed garment factories were set ablaze, according to the AAPP.
China's embassy said many staff were wounded and "trapped in arson attacks by unidentified assailants" in the city and it had urged the military to "protect Chinese property and citizens," Reuters reports. China is seen as supportive of the junta.

The big picture: A total of 2,156 people have been arrested, charged, or sentenced and at least 126 people have been killed since Feb. 1, per AAPP.

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Martial law declared in city on Myanmar's deadliest day since coup

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