Myanmar's military has questioned the authenticity of the confessions of two soldiers who said they were ordered to "exterminate" Rohingya Muslims before taking part in the massacre of scores of men, women and children.

NGO Fortify Rights and the New York Times on Tuesday released details of the filmed interviews -- seen by AFP -- of Private Myo Win Tun, 33, and Private Zaw Naing Tun, 30, in which they described "wiping out" entire villages.

Military spokesman Brigadier General Zaw Min Tun admitted to BBC Burmese late Wednesday the men were former soldiers but claimed they had been "taken hostage" by the Arakan Army (AA) and "threatened and coerced into confessing".

The AA is fighting the military in the country's northwest for more autonomy.

AFP was unable to independently verify the video or statements.

Additional reporting AFP