Army truck plows into protesters, killing at least 3

BANGKOK — An army vehicle barreled into a peaceful march of antigovernment protesters in military-ruled Myanmar’s biggest city on Sunday, killing at least three people, witnesses and a protest organizer said.

Sunday’s march was one of at least three held in Yangon, and similar rallies were reported in other parts of the country a day ahead of an expected verdict in the first of about a dozen criminal cases against Myanmar civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who was toppled in a military takeover Feb. 1.

A video posted on social media showed a speeding small army truck heading into the marchers from behind. A witness told the Associated Press that the protesters had been on his street for just two minutes when the military truck hit them, leaving three people without any sign of movement lying on the road.

“About five armed soldiers got out of the vehicle and chased after the protesters,” said the witness, who insisted on anonymity for fear of arrest. “They opened fire and also arrested young people who had been hit by the car. At least 10 people were arrested.”

Security forces have previously used cars to attack protesters since the army took power. They have also freely used live ammunition, killing about 1,300 civilians, according to a detailed list compiled by the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners.

The use of lethal force by the army and police has led to fewer large-scale street protests. More recently, the large rallies have been replaced by small, quickly organized marches that usually break up at the first sight of authorities.

Another witness said that when several people came to gather their items, more military vehicles arrived.

“At least four people, including two young girls who were crying near the shoes, were arrested,” he said.

About 30 people took part in the march, according to a member of Yangon People’s Strike, the local resistance group that organized it. Media posted online showed the protesters carrying placards with Suu Kyi’s image, and calling for the immediate release of the country’s detained civilian leaders.

Since she was detained, Suu Kyi has faced charges ranging from breaching coronavirus regulations to corruption. They’re seen as contrived in order to discredit her and justify the military takeover.