US bans Myanmar military chief Min Aung Hlaing and three other officers over Rohingya ‘ethnic cleansing’

Washington said it took action against Min Aung Hlaing and three others after finding credible evidence they were involved in the violence two years ago

The sanctions are the most visible sign of US disappointment with Myanmar since it launched political reforms in 2011

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Myanmar army chief Min Aung Hlaing. Photo: AFP

Published: 10:16am, 17 Jul 2019Updated: 10:57am, 17 Jul 2019

The United States on Tuesday banned visits by Myanmar’s army chief and three other top officers due to their role in the “ethnic cleansing” of the Rohingya minority, urging accountability for their brutal campaign.

The State Department said it took action against army chief Min Aung Hlaing and the others after finding credible evidence they were involved in the violence two years ago that led about 740,000 Rohingya to flee across the border to Bangladesh.

“With this announcement, the United States is the first government to publicly take action with respect to the most senior leadership of the Burmese military,” Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said.

“We remain concerned that the Burmese government has taken no actions to hold accountable those responsible for human rights violations and abuses, and there are continued reports of the Burmese military committing human rights violations and abuses throughout the country.”

The sanctions are the most visible sign of US disappointment with Myanmar since it launched political reforms in 2011, with the military junta reconciling with Washington and eventually allowing an elected political leadership.

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