Burma experiences bloodiest day since coup; at least 38 dead: UN

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At least 38 people were killed during protests in Burma Wednesday, as violence escalated against opponents of last month’s military coup, according to a U.N. official.

Video footage appeared to show police using 9mm submachine guns to fire live ammunition, said Christine Schraner Burgener, the U.N. special envoy for Burma, who cited weapons experts that examined the footage. 

She said another clip showed a protester -- who wasn't resisting arrest -- being taken away by police before he was shot from about three feet away. Other videos captured security forces in the country chasing, firing slingshots at protesters and beating a medical crew. 

BURMESE SECURITY FORCES KILL AT LEAST 9 PROTESTERS IN NEW CLASHES: REPORT

Anti-coup protesters run as one of them discharges a fire extinguisher to counter the impact of tear gas fired by riot policemen in Yangon, Burma, Wednesday, March 3, 2021. Demonstrators in Burma took to the streets again on Wednesday to protest last month's seizure of power by the military. (AP Photo)

"We have now more than over 50 people died since the coup started and many are wounded," said Burgener at U.N. headquarters Wednesday.

Demonstrators have taken to the streets to protest the coup and subsequent arrest of leader Aung San Suu Kyi. 

The bloodshed on Wednesday occurred after at least 18 people in several cities were killed on Sunday when security forces opened fire to disperse demonstrating crowds, the U.N. said.

Security forces have arrested hundreds of people, including journalists, during the protests. Burgener said about 1,200 people have been detained in Burma since last month's coup. She added that family members don't know their whereabouts or health conditions. 

"We are appalled and revulsed to see the horrific violence perpetrated against the people of Burma for their peaceful calls to restore civilian governance," U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price said Wednesday. 

POLICE IN BURMA FIRE TEAR GAS, RUBBER BULLETS AT PROTESTERS

Security forces are believed to single out medical workers because they launched the country’s civil disobedience movement to resist the junta -- a government led by a committee of military leaders, reports said. 

In Mandalay, riot police, backed by soldiers, broke up a rally and chased around 1,000 teachers and students from a street with tear gas as gunshots could be heard.

Foreign ministers from Southeast Asian countries met Tuesday to discuss the political crisis. The 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations released a statement following the meeting that only called for an end to violence and for talks on how to reach a peaceful settlement.  

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The U.N. Security Council is expected to hold a closed meeting on the situation on Friday, council diplomats said. However, coordinated action at the United Nations will be difficult since two permanent members of the Security Council, China and Russia, would almost certainly veto it.

The Associated Press contributed to this report