Daily US Times: US President Joe Biden has approved an executive order to impose sanctions on Myanmar coup leaders.
The sanctions will be focused on coup leaders in the military, their family members and businesses linked to them.
Steps are also being taken to block access by the military to $1bn of government funds held in the US.
The sanctions come as a woman who was shot in the head during protests against the military coup fights for her life at a hospital in the country’s capital Nay Pyi Taw.
Mya Thwe Thwe Khaing was hurt on Tuesday when police used water cannon, rubber bullets and live rounds in an attempt to disperse protesters.
Rights group say the wound was consistent with one from live ammunition.
Tens of thousands have turned out in street protests against last week’s military take over, which overthrew Myanmar’s de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s democratically elected government in the South East Asian country despite a recent ban on large gatherings and a night curfew.
There have been reports of other serious injuries of protesters as police have increased their use of force, but no deaths so far.
President Biden called for the coup to be reversed and for the release of civilian leaders including Ms Suu Kyi.
He said, “The people of Burma are making their voices heard and the world is watching.” The US president vowed to take further action if needed.
“As protests grow, violence against those exerting their democratic rights is unacceptable and we’re going to keep calling it out,” Mr Biden added.
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