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Published 12:42 IST, February 15th 2021

Heavy army presence in Yangon as protests continue

Myanmar's biggest city Yangon woke to a heavy army presence on Monday, following a night of high tension during which military and police vehicles criss-crossed the city and authorities cut the internet.

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Myanmar's biggest city Yangon woke to a heavy army presence on Monday, following a night of high tension during which military and police vehicles crisscrossed the city and authorities cut the internet.

Armoured vehicles were seen in several areas of the city, along with army trucks.

Pick-up trucks blaring sirens slowly moved through streets, full of security personnel.

Despite the ramping up by the new military government, protesters continued to gather for now-daily rallies and marches against the February 1 seizure of power by the military.

So far they have gone ahead in most of the country with little interference, but it isn't clear yet whether the increased security presence signals a change in attitude by the military junta.

On Sunday night the appearance of military and police vehicles and personnel on the streets in many cities and towns prompted anxiety that a wave of arrests was imminent.

The cut-off of internet services deepened the fear.

The internet was restored Monday morning.

It isn't yet clear the extent of overnight action by the authorities against individuals associated with the protest movement.

 

Updated 12:42 IST, February 15th 2021

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