Myanmar: Travel warnings issued ahead of Rakhine attack anniversary August 25

Event

The US Embassy in Myanmar suspended official travel to northern Rakhine state ahead of the August 25 anniversary of Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) attacks on Tuesday, August 21. Travel bans for embassy staff will be in place for the remainder of August and includes the towns of Maungdaw, Rathedaung, Buthidaung, Ponnagyun, Mrauk-U, and Sittwe. Public demonstrations, civil unrest, and heightened activity by official and unofficial security forces are possible throughout Rakhine state in the coming days.

Context

On August 25, 2017, the Rohingya insurgent group ARSA attacked 30 police stations in Rakhine state with firearms and homemade explosive devices. The attack was followed by a military response that forced over 1 million Rohingya to flee the country or to internally displaced camps. According to human rights reports, more than 24,000 Rohingya were killed by the military or militant groups in the past year.

Advice

Individuals in Myanmar are advised to remain vigilant, avoid any public demonstrations, and obey instructions issued by your home government and local authorities.