UN accuses Myanmar of ethnic cleansing

Myanmar is seeking the ethnic cleansing of the Muslim Rohingya minority from its territory, a senior UN official has reported on Nov.24.

Armed forces have been killing Rohingya in Rakhine state, forcing many to flee to neighbouring Bangladesh, says John McKissick of the UN refugee agency.

The government of Myanmar, also known as Burma, has been conducting counter-insurgency operations since coordinated attacks on border guards in October.

It denies reports of atrocities.

A spokesman said the government was "very, very disappointed" by the comments.

Burmese officials say Rohingya are setting fire to their own houses in northern Rakhine state.

The Rohingya, who number about one million, are seen by many of Myanmar's Buddhist majority as illegal migrants from Bangladesh.