US announces sanctions on Myanmar junta leaders, warns of action over violence

The United States on Monday imposed sanctions on two more Myanmar junta leaders and warned of “action against those who perpetrate violence and suppress the will of the people,” reported AFP. It said it was blocking any US property and suspending the entry into the country of General Maung Maung Kyaw, who commands the air force, and Lieutenant General Moe Myint Tun, both of whom are members of the newly ruling State Administrative Council.

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The sanctions were announced by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Warning of further action, he said, “We will not hesitate to take further action against those who perpetrate violence and suppress the will of the people.”

We will not waver in our support for the people of Burma,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, using Myanmar’s former name.

“We call on the military and police to cease all attacks on peaceful protesters, immediately release all those unjustly detained, stop attacks on and intimidation of journalists and activists and restore the democratically elected government,” the Secretary of State said in a statement.

The announcement comes hours after the European Union also approved sanctions on Myanmar’s military, thus stepping up pressure on Myanmar’s military, which seized power in a coup on February 1 in which toppled democratic leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

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The United States has already imposed sanctions on other top figures including Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the military chief and new ruler of the country.