International Desk: Protests against the military coup in Myanmar continue against the country’s military-ruled political parties and the general public. The death toll from Myanmar’s military and security forces’ crackdown on protesters has risen to 26. The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, a Myanmar-based human rights group, said 27 people had been killed in anti-military protests since the February 1 coup. Meanwhile, four people were killed when security forces opened fire on protesters in the central Myanmar city of Taungi on Thursday, local media reported. Protests against the military rule have been held in several cities, including the country’s largest city, Yangon. At least two protesters were injured when police were shot dead in the protests of Moalamin city, Hinathan Media Corporation said. At that time the police arrested 20 people. Myanmar is set to impose sanctions on two of its military-controlled businesses on Thursday as part of international pressure to lift military rule, a source close to the news agency Reuters reported. Earlier on Wednesday, a silent strike was observed across Myanmar in protest of the military rule. At the same time, the protesters observed a symbolic protest by lighting candles throughout the night. On February 1, Myanmar’s military, known as Tatmadao, staged a military coup and arrested political leaders, including President Win Mint and State Councilor Aung San Suu Kyi. At the same time a state of emergency was declared in the country for one year. The coup was sparked by controversy over the election results in November last year. Protests against the military coup began on February 6 in various cities in Myanmar. Protesters have been demanding the release of imprisoned political leaders, including Aung San Suu Kyi, as well as the withdrawal of military rule. Source: Reuters

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