Myanmar’s military has seized power after detaining Aung San Suu Kyi and other democratically elected leaders. Troops are patrolling the streets and a night-time curfew is in force, with a one-year state of emergency declared. US President Joe Biden raised the threat of new sanctions, with the UN and UK also condemning the coup. The army alleges the recent landslide election win by Ms Suu Kyi’s party was marred by fraud. She urged supporters to “protest against the coup”. In a letter written in preparation for her impending detention, she said the military’s actions would put the country back under a dictatorship.
A protester holds a placard during a demonstration against the military coup in Yangon on February 7, 2021. (Photo by Ye Aung THU / AFP) 
(FILES) In this file photo taken on February 19, 2021, railway staff members take part in a protest demanding the release of detained civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi during a demonstration against the military coup in Yangon. – Tens of thousands of Myanmar workers have stopped work over the past two months in protest at the military coup, economically paralysing what was already one of the poorest countries in Asia. (Photo by STR / AFP) 
Where is Myanmar?
Myanmar, also known as Burma, is in South East Asia. It neighbours Thailand, Laos, Bangladesh, China and India.
It has a population of about 54 million, most of whom are Burmese speakers, although other languages are also spoken. The biggest city is Yangon (Rangoon), but the capital is Nay Pyi Taw.
The main religion is Buddhism. There are many ethnic groups in the country, including Rohingya Muslims.
