White House condemns Myanmar military takeover, says US will ‘take action’ if necessary

NAYPYITAW, Myanmar — The White House is responding to reports that Myanmar’s military has seized power of the country and detained senior officials, including leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

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Photos: Military takes control of Myanmar; Suu Kyi reported detained A Myanmar activist holds a portrait of Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi as portraits of the country's military general Min Aung Hlaing are seen on the floor during a a protest outside the United Nations University building in Tokyo on February 1, 2021 following a military coup in the country by a general after arresting civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other senior officials. (PHILIP FONG/AFP via Getty Images)

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According to The Associated Press, Myanmar’s military said it is now in control of the government after declaring a state of emergency, claiming widespread voter fraud occurred in November’s election. Candidates from Suu Kyi’s party, the National League for Democracy, won an overwhelming majority of Parliament seats in a huge blow to the Union Solidarity and Development Party, which has support from the military, the AP reported.

The military, which reportedly put Suu Kyi under house arrest, said it will remain in control for a year until a new election is held, according to the AP. Commander-in-Chief Gen. Min Aung Hlaing is now in control, and Vice President Myint Swe has been named acting president, the news agency reported, citing military television.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki issued a statement late Sunday condemning the Myanmar military’s actions.

“The United States is alarmed by reports that the Burmese military has taken steps to undermine the country’s democratic transition, including the arrest of State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi and other civilian officials in Burma,” the statement read. “President Biden has been briefed by National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. We continue to affirm our strong support for Burma’s democratic institutions and, in coordination with our regional partners, urge the military and all other parties to adhere to democratic norms and the rule of law, and to release those detained today.”

The statement continued: “The United States opposes any attempt to alter the outcome of recent elections or impede Myanmar’s democratic transition, and will take action against those responsible if these steps are not reversed. We are monitoring the situation closely and stand with the people of Burma, who have already endured so much in their quest for democracy and peace.”