The Myanmar military killed hundreds of people in protest of the military coup that took place on February 1, 2021.

Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is a southeastern country that shares borders with Laos, Bangladesh, Thailand, India, and China with a population of 54 million. In 1948, Burma gained its independence from Britain and the military ruled the country from 1962 to 2011 while also changing the country’s name to Myanmar in 1989.

Now, the military is back in power with a coup last month after an election won by Aung San Suu Kyi, the current State Counsellor and Minister of Foreign Affairs for Myanmar. Ms. Suu Kyi is now detained in an unknown location with various charges such as having illegal walkie-talkies and violating Covid-19 restrictions. Myanmar’s military commander-in-chief, Min Aung Hlaing, led the coup and now controls Myanmar. He announced a year-long state of emergency for the country and assured the people of Myanmar that the military was on their side and together they will form a “true and disciplined society.”

Starting on February 8, protests began all over the country demanding that the government be restored. The military responded by shooting unarmed civilians in the streets, injuring and killing hundreds of people. Before March 27, a total of 328 deaths were reported.

This saturday began the 76th annual Armed Forces Day with a parade in the capital Nay Pyi Taw. It was also the start of the deadliest day since the beginning of the coup. Over 90 deaths, including children, were reported across 40 towns.

By Kevin Lee