Coordinated sanctions are the latest in a series of punitive measures aimed at Myanmar’s military rulers and related entities.
The United States, the United Kingdom and Canada have imposed coordinated sanctions on Myanmar’s military rulers and related entities, the latest in a series of punitive measures since the military seized power in a February coup. .
The United States said Monday it was addressing the State Administrative Council (SAC) and 13 governing officials, freezing any of its U.S. assets and banning Americans from treating them.
Canada said it imposed additional sanctions on individuals and entities linked to Myanmar’s armed forces, while the United Kingdom announced sanctions against state-owned Myanmar Gems Enterprise, which was included in previous US sanctions.
“Our current actions underline our decision and that of our partners to apply political and financial pressure on the regime as long as it does not stop the violence and take significant actions to respect the will of the people,” said the Secretary of State for United States, Antony Blinken. a statement announcing the move.
The United States appoints the Burma State Administrative Council and 16 people related to the military regime. We are taking this action alongside the UK and Canada, who are also imposing costs on the regime. Thanks to my counterparts, @DominicRaab @MarcGarneau, for your efforts.
– Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) May 17, 2021
“Canada is on the side of the people of Myanmar as they continue to fight to restore democracy and freedom in their country and we will not hesitate to take further action,” Canadian Foreign Minister Marc Garneau also said in a statement. .
Protests across the country have continued since Myanmar’s military took power a February 1 coup, arrest and removal of civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
At least 796 people have been killed by security forces since the coup, according to a local surveillance group, while about 4,000 people are behind bars.
The United States and other Western countries have consistently incorporated major members of the military regime, as well as state-owned companies that fund it, into their sanctions list in an effort to pressure the military to return to democracy.
The unrest has continued, however, with daily bombings reported, local militias forming to confront the army, and protests and strikes by opponents of the coup that are taking place across the Southeast Asian country.
On Sunday there were six opposition rebels dead by the military after days of clashes, said an anti-coup defense force made up of civilians.
To the east of Chin, to the west, the city of Mindat has become a hot spot for unrest, where some residents have formed the Chinland Defense Force (CDF).
“Six members of our CDF who tried to protect the safety of the people of Mindat attacked [the military] and they sacrificed their lives for the national revolution, “the CDF said in a statement.