US targets Myanmar with further sanctions ahead of coup anniversary

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States on Wednesday slapped further sanctions on Myanmar, marking the three year anniversary of the coup as Washington targeted two entities it said were closely associated with the junta.

Wednesday's sanctions were the latest aimed at the fuel the junta uses to conduct aerial bombings in its war with anti-coup forces that have often targeted civilians, as well as the military's ability to produce arms.

The U.S. Treasury Department in a statement said it targeted Shwe Byain Phyu Group of Companies, its owner Thein Win Zaw, his wife and two adult children.

Treasury said the company imports and distributes petroleum for the military and has a profit sharing relationship with military conglomerate Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd., which Washington imposed sanctions on in 2021.

Washington also targeted MEHL-owned shipping company Myanmar Five Star Line, which it said ships material for domestic weapons production for the military.

(Reporting by Daphne Psaledakis; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama)

By Simon Lewis and Daphne Psaledakis