Many killed in Myanmar violence

By Nathan Morley

Those opposed to the recent coup took to the streets of the main cities of Myanmar, also known as Burma.

 Reports in the local media – ‘The Irrawaddy’ and ‘Myanmar Now’ - say over 80 people were killed, however this figure is unconfirmed.

The news portal ‘Myanmar Now’ reports at least 29 people were shot in Mandalay, including a toddler. In Yangon, gunshots were fired at the US cultural centre, but there were no injuries.

The deaths on Saturday takes the number of civilians reported killed since the coup to over 400.

Activists demonstrating against the recent coup, called for major demonstrations, despite the military's threat to use force against any protests.

Min Aung Hlaing, the leader of the recent coup, used an Armed Forces Day TV to promise elections but gave no further information.

Meanwhile, Aung San Suu Kyi, the elected leader and the country’s most popular civilian politician, remains in detention at an undisclosed location. Many other figures in her party are also being held in custody.