US to withdraw aid to Myanmar military over Rohingya violence

Washington, Oct 24: In the wake of massive exodus of Rohingyas, the United States has announced it was withdrawing military assistance from Myanmar units and officers involved in violence.

"We express our gravest concern with recent events in Rakhine state and the violent, traumatic abuses Rohingya and other communities have endured," State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in announcing the punitive measures.

"It is imperative that any individuals or entities responsible for atrocities, including non-state actors and vigilantes, be held accountable."

The State Department said it has already cut off travel waivers allowing current and former senior military leaders into the country and was considering further actions to impose economic measures against those responsible for atrocities against Myanmar's ethnic minority. The department said that all military units involved in operations against the Rohingya were ineligible for American aid.

PTI