US orders envoys out of Myanmar

Holding on to hope: People holding a picture of Suu Kyi during a candlelight vigil at a Buddhist temple in Bangkok. — Reuters

The United States ordered the departure of non-essential diplomats from Myanmar, amid growing violence following the military coup to oust civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Daily protests demanding the restoration of the elected government have been met with a military crackdown that has left more than 520 civilians dead in the weeks since the Feb 1 coup.