YANGON: Police have opened fire on protesters in Myanmar leaving at least 18 dead, BBC reported.

Deaths were reported in several cities including Yangon, Dawei and Mandalay as police used live rounds and tear gas, according to human rights offices.

Security forces began the violent crackdown on Saturday, after weeks of largely peaceful protests against the February 1 military takeover.

Social media footage from Sunday showed protesters running away as police charged at them, makeshift roadblocks being erected, and several people being led away covered in blood.

The police operation was expanded on Sunday as coup leaders sought to quash a civil disobedience campaign that has shown no sign of ending.

US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said the Biden administration was preparing “additional actions” against those responsible for the violent crackdown.

“We will continue co-ordinating closely with allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region and around the world to hold those responsible for violence to account,” he said in a statement on Sunday.

(With inputs from BBC)