Myanmar's state media say the country's military has extended the state of emergency for another six months. It has been in place since the military coup two years ago.

The junta seized power claiming irregularities in a national election that saw Aung San Suu Kyi's party win in a landslide. But it has provided no evidence to back up its claims.

Myanmar remains in chaos. Pro-democracy forces have been arming themselves and fighting to regain control. A local human rights group says the number of killings by the military is approaching 3,000.

Former State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi remains in custody -- sentenced to decades behind bars. International groups and foreign governments have called for her release.

The military had said it would hold an election by August. But it has effectively made her party illegal. Even before the extension of the state of emergency, the United States, Canada, Australia and Britain were imposing new sanctions against junta members and energy officials.

US National Security Council Spokesperson John Kirby said, "Conditions, however, in Burma continue to grow more dire. So that's why we're taking some additional action today to impose sanctions on six individuals and three entities linked to the regime's efforts to generate revenue and procure arms."

The US Treasury Department says oil and gas exports have helped the junta to earn more than 1 billion dollars in annual revenue.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres joined the international condemnation, calling on countries to stand together and urge the junta to change course.

Citizens in Myanmar staged what they called a "silent strike" on Wednesday, the second anniversary of the coup. Most stores in Yangon were closed, and traffic on the normally busy streets was greatly reduced.