At least 40 bodies found in Myanmar jungle area after army crackdown: media

In this file photo from Feb 9, 2021, protesters wear wet weather gear to protect against police water cannon as they take part in a demonstration against the military coup in Yangon. - AFP

YANGON (Reuters): A Myanmar militia force fighting the army in a central part of the country and residents have found at least 40 bodies in jungle areas in recent weeks, including some showing signs of torture, a militia member and media reports said.

Since the military overthrew the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi on Feb 1, hundreds of people have been killed as the army violently quelled protests, and in clashes between soldiers and often hastily assembled, lightly armed local militias.