Considering sanctions on Myanmar over treatment of Rohingyas: US

The US State Department is considering a range steps including "targeted sanctions" against the Myanmar government over its handling of the Rohingya crisis which has spiralled out of control in recent weeks.

"We express our gravest concern with recent events in Myanmar's Rakhine state and the violent, traumatic abuses Rohingya and other communities have endured," US  State Department said in a statement.

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

The US may target Myanmar with sanctions under its Global Magnitsky law, the State Department said.