Coup in Myanmar: US slaps sanctions against junta leaders

The United States yesterday announced sanctions on the leaders of Myanmar's junta and several gem companies, and warned it would act further if the military uses violence against protesters. 

A day after President Joe Biden previewed the sanctions, the Treasury Department said it was blocking any US assets and transactions with 10 current or former military officials held responsible for the February 1 coup.

The targets include General Min Aung Hlaing, the new junta chief, who already was under US sanctions over the brutal campaign against the mostly Muslim Rohingya minority.

But the sanctions also hit new individuals, including the military leaders named to a new cabinet such as Defense Minister General Mya Tun Oo.

"We are also prepared to take additional action should Burma's military not change course," Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said, using Myanmar's former name.

"If there is more violence against peaceful protesters, the Burmese military will find that today's sanctions are just the first," she said.

The junta has voiced increasingly ominous warnings to anti-coup protesters and deployed tear gas, water cannon and rubber bullets, with isolated reports of live rounds being fired.

The Treasury Department also announced sanctions on three companies dealing in the country's key gem export: Myanmar Ruby Enterprise, Myanmar Imperial Jade Co. and Cancri Co. It said it was designating the three companies because the military controls them.

Biden in his remarks Wednesday also said the United States was cutting off the Myanmar generals' access to $1 billion in funds in the United States.

Meanwhile, Myanmar's ruling general signalled waning patience yesterday with nationwide protests over the military's takeover, ordering demonstrators to return to work or face "effective actions".

His warning comes after a sixth consecutive day of anti-coup rallies condemning the ouster of civilian leader Suu Kyi. The demonstrations have largely been peaceful.

By yesterday evening, army chief General Min Aung Hlaing -- who now holds legislative, judicial and executive powers -- called for civil servants to return to work after days of nationwide strikes supporting the protests.

"Due to unscrupulous persons' incitement, some civil service personnel have failed to perform their duties," he said in a statement.

"Effective actions will be taken."

Since the February 1 coup, there has been an outpouring of anger and defiance, calling for the release of Suu Kyi and other detained senior figures of her National League for Democracy party.

Demonstrators again marched peacefully yesterday in Naypyidaw -- the capital and military stronghold -- as well as Yangon, the largest city and commercial hub, which saw tens of thousands flood into the streets.

Western nations have repeatedly denounced the coup.

Yesterday, former colonial power Britain welcomed Biden's steps, with foreign secretary Dominic Raab tweeting that "we will hold those responsible to account".

European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has also warned the bloc could impose fresh sanctions on Myanmar's military.

There were more reports of arrests yesterday, including the deputy speaker of the parliament's lower house and a key aide to Suu Kyi. The number of coup-linked detentions is now more than 200, according to monitor Assistance Association for Political Prisoners.

The NLD -- whose Yangon headquarters saw a raid this week -- also confirmed the arrest of election officials in the afternoon.

The military justified last week's power grab by claiming widespread voter fraud in November's polls, which saw a landslide for Suu Kyi's party.

Concern grew Thursday that the junta was planning to impose a much harsher and sustained internet crackdown, including enacting a draft cybersecurity bill that would allow the military to order blackouts and website bans.

A coalition of the world's largest internet companies -- including Facebook, Google, and Twitter -- denounced the draft law yesterday, calling it "a regressive step" to the past.

"We urge the military leaders to consider the potentially devastating consequences of these proposed laws on Myanmar's people and economy," said Asia Internet Coalition's managing director Jeff Paine.