The US state department is warning Americans not to travel to Burundi as political violence there increases.

A travel warning issued on Sunday urges US citizens in the central African country to leave "as soon as it is feasible to do so".

On Friday, 87 people were killed after three military sites were attacked, Burundi's army said.

US rights group Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Sunday called for an investigation into the killings.

Protests in Burundi began in April when President Pierre Nkurunziza announced he would seek a third term in office.

Last month, Belgium advised its citizens to leave Burundi, while the EU cut staff levels, temporarily evacuating employees' "families and part of the non-essential staff".

"As a result of continuing violence, the Department of State ordered the departure of dependents of US government personnel and non-emergency US government personnel from Burundi," the US statement read.

"The US Embassy is able to offer only very limited emergency services to US citizens in Burundi."

It also gave advice for citizens who may encounter violence, advising them to stay indoors in ground floor rooms, away from doors and windows.

(BBC)