Protesters Attack Red Cross Aid Vessel in Sittwe, Rakhine State
Category: Unrest
Severity: 3 (Moderate)
Source: Drum Cussac
09/21/2017 (Myanmar) - Media reports on Thursday, 21 September, indicate that a group of Buddhist protesters have attacked a vessel loading aid supplies in the Rakhine state capital Sittwe. The incident reportedly occurred on Wednesday as hundreds of protesters confronted Red Cross workers loading aid supplies, intended for displaced Rohingya in the north of the state, onto the vessel. The protesters reportedly threw a number of petrol bombs during the confrontation before police dispersed the group with warning shots. It is currently unclear whether there were any injuries from the incident but at least eight people are reported to have been arrested when police intervened. The incident highlights the elevated communal tensions in Rakhine state where security forces have been conducting controversial security operations against the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army militant group since 25 August. Over 400,000 Rohingya are reported to have fled the region since the beginning of the security operation with rights groups accusing the government of intentionally driving the group from the country.
Those in Rakhine state are advised to exercise a high level of caution amid the ongoing security operations, avoiding the vicinity of security forces patrols and positions due to the risk of exposure to potential militant attacks and incidental violence. Travellers should monitor local media sources to remain apprised of developments in their particular area of operations. Any operationally-critical travel in areas along the border with Bangladesh should be coordinated with local authorities, security forces and a trusted private security provider.
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