Seven civilians have been killed during renewed fighting in Rakhine State between the Myanmar Army and the Arakan Army. According to an AFP article, the fighting broke out close to a monastery in Sapa Htar village, in Minbya Township. The article quotes U Myo Kyaw Aung, a village leader, that villagers took refuge in the local monastery after artillery fire hit some of the homes. “Then … shelling hit the monastery”. Myo Kyaw Aung said he didn’t know who had launched the shelling and both sides involved in the fighting have blamed their adversaries for the incident. Northern Rakhine State has seen intense fighting between the two groups this year, with fears of a long-protracted conflict.
