Myanmar police open fire on protesters killing at least two and injuring 15

Myanmar police open fire on protesters killing at least two and injuring 15

Police clashed with protesters killing at least two people in Myanmar on Wednesday (March 3), according to local media.

Footage shows the chaotic scene in the town of Myingyan in Mandalay, where two people are said to have died.

Fifteen people were also injured.

Security forces reportedly opened fire with live rounds to quash the protest against the army.

Injured locals were carried away in ambulances.

The unrest came more than a month after the army ousted former leader Aung San Suu Kyi from power on February 1 and seized control of state operations.

The Nobel Peace Prize Laureate was seen in court on Monday.

The total death toll from the protests is unclear – with some reports from local media claiming dozens of people have been killed.

Human rights groups have expressed growing concern.

International pressure on Myanmar, still known as Burma, has escalated with the US government warning of sanctions on the country.

Burma was governed by Britain from 1824 to 1948, during which time it became the second-wealthiest country in Southeast Asia but following independence was ruled by the military until 2011 when democratic reforms began.

It changed its name to Myanmar.