Despite ongoing protests over the government’s handling of a devastating economic crisis, security forces are out in force across Sri Lanka, with orders to shoot looters on sight. A second night of arson attacks occurred despite a nationwide curfew.

Shops and a resort belonging by former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa’s son were set on fire outside Colombo. After resigned on Monday amid outrage over fuel and food shortages, the ex-PM is holed up in a military facility. Since Monday, at least nine people have died and over 200 have been hurt in disturbances.

It started when supporters of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the former Prime Minister’s younger brother, attacked protestors asking that he step down.

The violence, according to opposition MPs, could have been manufactured to provide the army a reason to seize power. The appearance of significant numbers of military with armored vehicles on the streets has fueled rumors of a possible coup.

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