Myanmar: Increased security measures in Rakhine state January 22 /update 1

Event

On Monday, January 22, security officials in Rakhine state ​announced the deployment of additional security measures in response to the violent protests that took place in Mrauk U on January 16. According to local sources, at least 400 police officers have been deployed in and around Sittwe, including the town of Mrauk U.

Heightened security measures (including potential security checkpoints, road closures, etc.) are expected in the coming days in Rakhine state, and consequent traffic disruptions are possible.

Context

On January 16, seven protesters were killed by security forces during a riot involving some 5000 Buddhists in the city of Mrauk U in Rakhine state. Police opened fire on the crowd of ethnic Rakhine Buddhists as they tried to seize a government building and hoist a Rakhine state flag. Thirteen other protesters were injured.

Mrauk U, home to an ancient Buddhist complex of the last Rakhine kingdom, remained relatively unscathed by the military's crackdown on the region's minority Rohingya Muslim community. However, ethnic Rakhine, many of whom are marginalized and live in very poor conditions, have a longstanding animosity with the larger Myanmar government. Rakhine state is home to the Buddhist rebel group - the Arakan Army - fighting Myanmar's army.

Advice

Due to poor security conditions, some Western governments and Myanmar authorities advise their citizens against nonessential travel to Rakhine state - with the exception of the southern townships of Kyaukpyu, Ramree, Munaung, Toungup, Thandwe (including the tourist resort of Ngapali), and Gwa - as well as the Bangladeshi border.