The Myanmar army early on the morning of February 1 arrested state counselor Aung San Suu Kyi and other senior leaders.

Aung San Suu Kyi in the Philippines in November 2017.

Military governments have ruled Myanmar for most of its history, since the country gained independence in 1948. General Ne Win overthrew the civilian government in 1962, saying it was unfit to govern.

A new generation of military leaders took power a few weeks later, citing the need to restore law and order in the country.

Junta leader Gen. Than Shwe resigned in 2011, handing power to a government of retired generals after adopting the country’s current constitution.

The 2008 constitution stipulates that the military will continue to play a major political role, giving it control of key interior, border and defense ministries.

Suu Kyi and her administration have been trying to amend the constitution since winning the 2015 election, but have had little success.

Political analyst Soe Myint Aung said this loophole was one the military did not foresee.

In the November 2020 election, the military-backed Myanmar Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) won only 33 out of 476 seats in parliament.

The coup was strongly condemned by the US and the United Nations.

Experts also expressed concern about this move.

Daniel Russell, the top US diplomat for East Asia under Barack Obama – who has built close relations with Suu Kyi, said that the military’s takeover of Myanmar again is a strong blow to democracy.

`This is a major setback, not only for Myanmar’s democracy, but also for American interests. It is a reminder that America’s lack of credible and stable engagement in the region has

`From the beginning, the military junta that has controlled Myanmar for decades has never truly relinquished power. They have never truly accepted civilian authority, so today’s events follow a

`The United States and other countries with sanctions regimes should send a strong message today, by immediately rescinding sanctions relief and imposing harsh and direct economic sanctions.`

Murray Hiebert, Southeast Asia expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, said this situation is a challenge for the new US administration.

Before the arrest of Myanmar’s leaders occurred, `most recently on January 29, the United States joined other countries in urging the Myanmar military not to proceed with the coup threat,` Hiebert said, reminding

`The Biden administration says it will support democracy and human rights. But Myanmar’s top military officers have already been sanctioned, so it is unclear what additional measures the US can quickly take,` he said.