New EU sanctions target Myanmar military’s lucrative gas firm

Myanmar security forces have been accused of worsening human rights abuses since the coup more than a year ago with Western countries imposing sanctions [File: AP Photo]

The European Union has expanded sanctions imposed on Myanmar after last year’s coup to include a state-owned oil and gas company that is a lucrative source of income for the military, as well as several top officials.

The measures announced on Monday mean 65 officials and 10 companies have now been targeted in asset freezes and visa bans by the EU since the military seized power on February 1 last year.