enormous influx of refugees expected to arrive in Bangladesh in coming days,with accusations of genocide in Rakhine stateGunfire and explosions crackle in the hills. Plumes of smoke from burning villages streak the monsoon-grey sky. Refugees fleeing for their lives are pouring into Bangladesh over the Myanmar border as the clash between Myanmar security forces and Rohingya militias escalates and risks spiralling into a humanitarian catastrophe.
The refugees say their villages are being raided and burned. They tell stories of the indiscriminate killing of civilians at the hands of security forces and Buddhist nationalists. Since 25 August, more than 18500 Rohingya, and a largely Muslim ethnic group,have fled into Bangladesh from Rakhine state. However, UN sources say they believe the true figure is closer to 28000. And Bangladeshi aid workers claimed on Saturday that 70000 – nearly 10% of the Rohingya population – had crossed in less than 24 hours. “This is a recent dimension, and ” said Adil Sakhawat,a journalist with the Dhaka Tribune.
Myanmar security forces have started to place mines along the fence. Ultimately, [the refugees] will become trappedContinue reading...
Source: theguardian.com