NAYPYIDAW, 1 February 2021, (TON): The military in Myanmar on Monday seized control of the country in a coup after it detained State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, President U Win Myint and other senior officials of the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) party. The step was taken after high tensions between the government and the Myanmar Army after disputed general elections in November 2020.

Acting President, U Myint Swe signed a declaration through which state power has been handed over to Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Min Aung Hlaing.

The military declared 8 November 2020 general elections were fraudulant after Suu Kyi's NLD won 83 per cent of the available seats in Parliament, enough to form a government.

Myo Nyunt, a spokesman for the ruling National League for Democracy, confirmed Suu Kyi and President Win Myint had been detained in what he called a “coup.” It was unclear how many people were held, and under what terms. TV channels, phone and internet communications were all spotty, making it difficult to get information from the country.

Sources said that troops were seen occupying all government buildings and arrests are in progress. Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Min Aung Hlaing is expected to make important announcements.