EU and US sanctions step up pressure on Myanmar military over coup

FILE PHOTO: People flash a three-finger salute as they take part in an anti-coup night protest at Hledan junction in Yangon, Myanmar, March 14, 2021. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo

(Reuters) - The European Union and the United States on Monday imposed sanctions on individuals and groups linked to last month's military coup in Myanmar as the repression of pro-democracy protesters by security forces reached what Germany's foreign minister called "an unbearable" level.

The EU sanctions marked the 27-nation bloc's most significant response since the overthrow of Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government on Feb. 1. The 11 individuals targeted included General Min Aung Hlaing, the commander-in-chief of the Myanmar military and head of the junta that has taken power.