![myanmar army myanmar army](https://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/h_56690899.jpg)
Myanmar has witnessed widespread anti-coup protests this week where public anger at the military for toppling a democratically elected civilian government is on full display. Here's a look at the long arm of the military. Since Myanmar emerged as an independent nation in 1948, the army has staged three coups to secure its firm hold on political and economic power.
![myanmar army myanmar army](https://newsus.cgtn.com/news/2021-02-03/U-S-Biden-administration-designates-Myanmar-military-takeover-a-coup-XzgUEssxZm/img/a7549e0df8d34a90afb425112dcce37f/a7549e0df8d34a90afb425112dcce37f.png)