US urges citizens to maintain awareness during Myanmar visit

Ahead of the general election in Myanmar, the US has asked its citizens to "maintain a high level of security awareness" during their stay in the country.
"US citizens are urged to exercise caution and remain abreast of the security situation prior to, during, and after the election," the State Department said in an advisory.
Travellers should be aware that they may experience disruptions or added inconveniences during the electoral period, it said.
The advisory asked US citizens to "maintain a high level of security awareness during the electoral period, and avoid political rallies, polling centres, demonstrations, and crowds of any kind."

"Instances of unrest can occur without warning, endangering bystanders," it said.
"There is presently no reason to believe that US citizens would be specifically targeted in the event of electoral violence."

Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, emerged from international pariah status when a semi-civilian government took power four years ago following decades of military rule.
The historic poll in Myanmar on November 8 is set to be the first openly contested general election in 25 years.
About 30 million people are eligible to vote, and 90 parties are contesting it.
The American travel alert expires on December 20.