Biden announces sanctions against Myanmar's military leaders in response to coup

President Biden on Wednesday announced new sanctions aimed at the leaders of Myanmar's military, which staged a coup and detained several of the country's elected leaders last week.

The actions include preventing the junta's leaders from accessing the $1 billion in Myanmar's government funds held in the United States, implementing "strong export controls," and freezing U.S. assets that benefit Myanmar's government. Biden said the first round of individuals (and their families) who will be subject to the sanctions will be identified next week.

Humanitarian aid the U.S. directs to Myanmar's people, including funds designated for health care and civil society, will remain intact, Biden clarified.

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In addition to the sanctions, Biden again called on the military to "immediately" return power to the elected government and release the arrested officials.