NAYPYITAW, 27 September 2021, (TON): Myanmar's junta has denied suspending the internet in conflict-wracked regions, blaming a recent spate of data blackouts on anti-coup protesters who had destroyed military-owned communications towers.

The Southeast Asian country has been in chaos since the military toppled Aung San Suu Kyi's government in February, triggering huge democracy protests that security forces have sought to quell in bloody crackdowns.

Some in the anti-coup movement formed local "people's defence forces" in their townships to fight back, and in recent weeks destroyed several communications towers belonging to military-owned Mytel in western Chin state.

Reports of an internet and data blackout, particularly in regions where local defence forces and the military are locked in conflict, emerged soon after.

Anti-coup fighters told AFP that telecommunications services in Pinlebu, Kawlin and Wuntho townships in northern Sagaing region, where clashes with the military have been fierce, were down since the early hours of the day.

The junta's foreign ministry denied that the State Administration Council, as the military regime dubs itself, was responsible.