US may sanction Myanmar authorities over violent abuses in Rakhine State

The United States government is considering sanctions against Myanmar authorities for its violent and traumatic abuses of the Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine state.

The United States state department said Washington may use a human rights law to target leaders and groups involved in the violence in the western state.

A report says the Myanmar Army had waged a brutal military campaign in Rakhine against the Rohingya since August 25.

More than 600,000 Rohingya have fled the country, most arriving in Bangladesh by foot or by boat, with aid agencies struggling to cope with the influx.

The United Nations describes the Rohingya as the world’s most persecuted people.However, the United States also announced that it is withdrawing military assistance to Myanmar officers and units operating in Northern Rakhine.