Myanmar's military has taken control of the country after detaining de-facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other politicians in the early hours.
Military TV said a state of emergency had been declared for one year and power transferred.
The coup comes after tensions rose between the civilian government and the military following a disputed election.
Myanmar, also known as Burma, was ruled by the military until democratic reforms began in 2011.
The military said on Monday it was handing power to commander-in-chief Min Aung Hlaing because of "election fraud". Soldiers are on the streets of the capital, Nay Pyi Taw, and the main city, Yangon.
In November's election, Ms Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) won enough seats to form a government.
What has the reaction been?
The United States has condemned the coup, saying Washington "opposes any attempt to alter the outcome of recent elections or impede Myanmar's democratic transition".
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called for the release of all government officials and civil society leaders and said the US "stands with the people of Burma in their aspirations for democracy, freedom, peace, and development. The military must reverse these actions immediately".
In Australia, Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne said "we call on the military to respect the rule of law, to resolve disputes through lawful mechanisms and to release immediately all civilian leaders and other who have been detained unlawfully."
Latest Stories
-
I want to focus more on my education – Chidimma Adetshina quits pageantry
6 mins -
Duct-taped banana artwork sells for $6.2m in NYC
29 mins -
Arrest warrants issued for Netanyahu, Gallant and Hamas commander over alleged war crimes
33 mins -
Actors Jonathan Majors and Meagan Good are engaged
38 mins -
Expired rice saga: A ‘best before date’ can be extended – Food and Agriculture Engineer
46 mins -
Why I rejected Range Rover gift from a man – Tiwa Savage
47 mins -
KNUST Engineering College honours Telecel Ghana CEO at Alumni Excellence Awards
1 hour -
Postecoglou backs Bentancur appeal after ‘mistake’
1 hour -
#Manifesto debate: NDC to enact and pass National Climate Law – Prof Klutse
2 hours -
‘Everything a manager could wish for’ – Guardiola signs new deal
2 hours -
TEWU suspends strike after NLC directive, urges swift resolution of grievances
2 hours -
Netflix debuts Grain Media’s explosive film
2 hours -
‘Expired’ rice scandal: FDA is complicit; top officials must be fired – Ablakwa
3 hours -
#TheManifestoDebate: We’ll provide potable water, expand water distribution network – NDC
3 hours -
IPR Ghana@50: Pupils educated to keep the environment clean
3 hours