Death toll mounts in Myanmar but protesters remain defiant

A man crosses the street while fire is seen in front of a road barricade that prevents security forces from advancing in Mandalay, Myanmar (AP)

Protesters in Myanmar have fired slingshots and thrown petrol bombs towards lines of security forces after apparently coming under fire, a rare incidence of anti-coup demonstrators fighting back against a violent crackdown.

The growing resistance came after one organisation said more than 200 people have been killed since the February 1 takeover. At least two people were shot dead during protests on Wednesday in north-western Myanmar, according to press and social media posts that included photos of the victims.