12 defence chiefs condemn Myanmar army after day of ‘mass murder’

Rare condemnation from the defence chiefs of 12 countries came after Myanmar security forces killed 114 people in deadliest crackdown yet.

The defence chiefs of 12 countries have condemned the Myanmar military for its deadly crackdown on demonstrators, as people across the Southeast Asian country mourned those who lost their lives in the bloodiest day since the February 1 coup. The United States, United Kingdom, Japan and South Korea signed onto Sunday’s joint statement. “A professional military follows international standards for conduct and is responsible for protecting – not harming – the people it serves,” the defence chiefs said. “We urge the Myanmar Armed forces to cease violence and work to restore respect and credibility with the people of Myanmar that it has lost through its actions.”