Myanmar Security Forces Gun Down 13 Protesters

At least 7 small blasts were heard in Yangon, including at government buildings, a military hospital and a shopping mall, say residents; fire breaks out in Chinese-owned garment factory

YANGON

Myanmar troops fired at anti-coup protesters on Wednesday, killing at least 13 people and wounding several, media said, as a series of small blasts hit the commercial capital Yangon and a Chinese-owned factory was set on fire.

The country’s military ruler said the civil disobedience movement was “destroying” Myanmar.

Security forces opened fire on Wednesday on protesters in the northwestern town of Kale as they demanded the restoration of Aung San Suu Kyi’s civilian government, domestic media said.

A resident of the area and the Myanmar Now news outlet said 11 people were killed and several wounded.

Reuters could not independently verify the toll. Two protesters were killed in the town of Bago

near Yangon, Myanmar Now said. At least seven small explosions were heard in

Yangon, including at government buildings, a military hospital and a shopping mall, residents said.

There were no casualties and no claims of responsibility.