US sanctions Myanmar coup leaders as generals warn protesters to return to work

YANGON (HRNW) – The United States on Thursday slapped sanctions on the leaders of Myanmar s junta, warning that more punishment could come even as the generals in Yangon ordered demonstrators to get back to work or face “effective actions”.

As Myanmar was preparing for a seventh consecutive day of anti-coup rallies, the US Treasury Department announced it was blocking any US assets and transactions with 10 current or former military officials held responsible for the February 1 coup.

Demonstrations condemning the ouster of civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi have largely been peaceful, although security forces earlier in the week used tear gas, water cannon and rubber bullets on protesters, with isolated reports of live rounds being fired.

In the most significant concrete action, President Joe Biden announced his administration was cutting off the generals  access to $1 billion in funds in the United States.

Targets of US sanctions announced Thursday include Army chief General Min Aung Hlaing, who now holds legislative, judicial and executive powers in Myanmar. Hlaing was already under US sanctions over the campaign against the mostly Muslim Rohingya minority.