30 attackers killed in assaults on west Myanmar border posts
Xinhua, October 17, 2016 Adjust font size:
A total of 30 attackers including two women have been killed and 12 others captured in armed clashes in Myanmar's western Rakhine state, Deputy Home Minister General Aung Soe said on Monday.
The death toll of policemen was revised down to eight as one has been found alive with two others being injured, he told a press conference.
Five soldiers from the government troops were also killed in the clashes after three border posts were attacked by gunmen in Maungtaw since Oct. 9, he added.
The three border posts are Kyikanpyi in Maungtaw, Kotankauk in Rathedaung and Ngakhuya Office.
According to the President's Office, Aqa Mul Mujahidin, led by Havistoohar and linked with terrorist group of "Rohingya Solidarity Organization (RSO)," has been blamed for the assaults.
Initial investigation showed the terrorist attacks were pre-plotted and supported financially by foreign terrorist groups.
It was revealed that the attacks, which involved extremists residing in Maungtaw, were aimed at occupying Maungtaw and Buthee Taung with financial aid from Middle East countries through individual links.
The 400-strong Aqa Mul Mujahidin was attempting to continue its offensive in Maungtaw and was frequently engaged in fighting with the government troops, the office said, pledging to wipe out the terrorists under the constitution and anti-terrorism law. Endit