Myanmar's ruling junta faces new sanctions two years after a military coup that led to an ongoing bloody crackdown. The junta seized power claiming irregularities in a national election that saw Aung San Suu Kyi's party win in a landslide. But it has provided no evidence to back up its claims.

Pro-democracy forces have been arming themselves and fighting to regain control. A Myanmar human rights group says the number of killings by the military is approaching 3,000.

Former State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi remains in custody, sentenced to decades behind bars. International groups and foreign governments have called for her release.

The military says it will hold an election by August, though, the military has effectively made Aung San Suu Kyi's party illegal.

The United States, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom are imposing new sanctions against junta members and energy officials. US National Security Council Spokesperson John Kirby said conditions in Burma "continue to grow more dire. So that's why we're taking some additional action today to impose sanctions on six individuals and three entities linked to the regime's efforts to generate revenue and procure arms."

The US Treasury Department says oil and gas exports have helped the junta to earn more than 1 billion dollars in annual revenue. Washington is criticizing the military leaders for using violence to suppress dissent.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres joined the international condemnation, calling on countries to stand together and urge the junta to change course.

Citizens in Myanmar also pushed back, staging what they called a "silent strike" on Wednesday. Most stores in Yangon were closed, and traffic on the normally busy streets was greatly reduced.