Myanmar tightens security in Rakhine State

Rakhine is home to Myanmar's Rohingya Muslims, who live in dire conditions (Photo: bbc.com)

Hanoi (VNA) – Myanmar’s authorities have tightened security in the western state of Rakhine following attacks on border posts that killing nine policemen and leaving five wounded and one missing.

In early morning October 9 (Myanmar time), dozens of gunmen attacked three separate border posts in Rakhine state, where violence caused by racial conflict between the Buddhist community and the Muslim Rohingya group was taking place.

The three attacked stations were Kyikanpyin border post in Maungdaw township, Kotakauk border post in Rathedaung township and Ngakhuya office.

About 10,000 cartridges of bullet and many weapons were taken by the armed men.

Eight among the attackers were killed with two being captured alive. Maungdaw town’s authorities imposed a curfew from 7pm to 6am and extended a ban on gathering for a group of five and over after the attack.

Myanmar authorities believed that the attackers were from the local Rohingya Solidarity Organisation, a small armed group operating in the years 1980-1990 but has been inactive over the last 20 years.-VNA