Rohingya Crisis: US Calls Myanmar Action 'Ethnic Cleansing'

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson says Myanmar's military action against the minority Muslim Rohingya population constitutes ethnic cleansing....

He said the Rohingya had suffered "horrendous atrocities" and as a result the US was considering targeted sanctions against those responsible.

In September, UN human rights chief Zeid Raad Al Hussein also accused Myanmar of ethnic cleansing.

Mr Tillerson's comments come days before a visit to Myanmar by the Pope.

The Rohingya are a stateless minority who have long experienced persecution in Myanmar. More than 600,000 have fled to Bangladesh since violence erupted in Rakhine state late in August.

"After a careful and thorough analysis of available facts, it is clear that the situation in northern Rakhine state constitutes ethnic cleansing against the Rohingya," Mr Tillerson said in a statement.
A US delegation, led by Senator Jeff Merkley, recently returned from a visit to Myanmar and neighbouring Bangladesh.

Members of the delegation said they were disturbed by the reports of attacks on Rohingya, including the rape and murder of family members.

The BBC has also heard numerous first-hand reports from refugees of killings, rape and even massacres. Inside Rakhine state itself, a BBC crew witnessed burned out homes and a village being set on fire.

Pope Francis is due to arrive in Myanmar on 26 November. His visit will include meetings with army chief General Min Aung Hlaing and the country's de-facto civilian leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, the Vatican has said.