Myanmar security forces have shot dead at least 50 anti-coup protesters on the streets of Mandalay and other towns according to reports from Myanmar Now.
The killings come after a warning was issued that protesters would risk being shot in the head or back while the leader of the ruling junta stated that the military will protect the people and strive for democracy.
A spokesman for the anti-junta group CRPH (Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw) stated, “The military generals are celebrating Armed Forces Day after they just killed more than 300 innocent civilians,” while describing the incident as a day of shame for the armed forces.
According to Reuters, at least four people were shot dead outside a police station in Yangon’s Dala suburb, three people were shot dead at a protest in the Insein district of Yangon.
A total of at least 50 people were killed; however, Reuters could not independently verify the numbers killed.