MYINGYAN (MYANMAR): Security forces in Myanmar opened fire on protesters against military rule on Wednesday killing nine people, Reuters reported.

The security forces resorted to live fire in several towns and cities, according to witnesses, as the junta appeared more determined than ever to stamp out protests against a February 1 coup that ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, according to Reuters.

The report, quoting Si Thu Maung, a protest leader in the central town of Myingyan, said that the security forces marched towards the protestors and fired tear gas, marched again and used stun grenades.

According to the report, one teenaged boy was killed in Myingyan. The heaviest toll, however, was in another central town, Monywa, where five people – four men and one woman – were killed, Reuters quoted Ko Thit Sar, editor of the Monywa Gazette.

At least 30 people have been wounded, some still unconscious, it said.

(With inputs from Reuters)