US says Myanmar takeover a coup

The U.S. formally declared the military takeover in Myanmar a coup, prompting a review of foreign assistance and possible new sanctions against the country’s leaders.

Many of the officials who orchestrated the coup were also responsible for atrocities committed against Rohingya Muslims and already faced punishment from the U.S., a State Department official told reporters Tuesday.

State Department spokesman Ned Price told reporters Tuesday that the U.S. has been coordinating its response with “likeminded” allies in Europe, India and Japan.

Military leaders in Myanmar continue to install officials, including a new governor of the nation’s central bank. Flights were also suspended through April.