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YANGON, Myanmar (AP) - Security forces fired automatic weapons into thousands of pro-democracy protesters for a second day Thursday, and the military government said nine people were killed and 11 wounded.

Tens of thousands defied the ruling military junta’s crackdown with a 10th straight day of demonstrations in Myanmar’s largest city, Yangon. Security forces also raided several monasteries overnight, beating monks and arresting more than 100, according to a monk at one monastery.

The protests are the stiffest challenge to the generals in two decades, a crisis that began Aug. 19 with protests over a fuel price hike, then expanded dramatically when monks started leading the marches. The crackdown has drawn increasing international pressure on the isolated regime.

Thousands of protesters ran through the streets of Yangon on Thursday after warning shots were fired into the crowds. Bloody sandals were left lying in the road.

“Give us freedom, give us freedom!” some shouted at the soldiers.

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Kenji Nagai of APF tries to take photographs as he lies injured after police and military officials fired upon and then charged at protesters in Yangon’s city centre September 27, 2007. Kenji, 52, a Japanese photographer, was shot by soldiers as they fired to disperse the crowd. Kenji later died.

REUTERS/Stringer

[Note: according to the Japanese news agency APF, the soldier shown shot and killed the already wounded Kenji moments after this photo was taken.]

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A man gestures to members of the military after a crowd of thousands were fired upon while protesting in Yangon’s city centre September 27, 2007.

REUTERS/Stringer

Last updated on Thursday, September 27, 2007