YANGON, Myanmar, March 26 (UPI) -- Unrest between Buddhist and Muslims in Myanmar that has left at least 40 people dead has prompted U.S. authorities to issue a warning to American citizens.
The U.S. Embassy in Myanmar said Americans should avoid the Mingalar Market and Yuzana Plaza part of Yangon, the country's commercial capital, CNN reported Tuesday.
Violence that broke out last week in the city of Meiktila in the central Mandalay region spread to other towns, prompting the government to declare a state of emergency Friday. The move allowed the military to help restore order.
Opposition lawmaker Win Htein said Tuesday the situation was improving in Meiktila but he was concerned that some young Buddhists were "organizing their own security" despite government warnings not to carry weapons.
The U.N. humanitarian agency said Monday that the Myanmar government estimates more than 12,000 people have been displaced by the unrest.
