At least 18 killed in Myanmar on bloodiest day of protests against coup

Protesters shout slogans and flash three-finger salutes during a rally against the military coup in Yangon, Myanmar, February 27, 2021. REUTERS/Stringer

(Reuters) - Myanmar police fired on protesters around the country on Sunday in the bloodiest day of weeks of demonstrations against a military coup and at least 18 people were killed, the U.N. human rights office said.

Police were out in force early and opened fire in different parts of the biggest city of Yangon after stun grenades, tear gas and shots in the air failed to break up crowds. Soldiers also reinforced police.