WASHINGTON (AFP): The United States on Wednesday (Feb 1) denounced the Myanmar ruling military's extension of a state of emergency, saying it prolonged suffering two years after a military takeover toppled an elected government.

"The United States strongly opposes the Burma military regime's decision to extend the state of emergency, prolonging the military's illegitimate rule and the suffering it inflicts upon the country," State Department spokesman Ned Price said, using Myanmar's former name.

The ruling military on the takeover's anniversary said it was extending the emergency by six months, pushing back the date for elections under the constitution.

Price said the United States was determined to work with other countries to "deny the regime international credibility."

He also denounced the ruling military’s version of "so-called elections, which will exacerbate violence and instability and will not be representative of the country's people."

The United States earlier announced targeted sanctions against Myanmar's energy sector leadership as part of efforts to pressure the military government further.