Ethnic-armed group in Rakhine State, Myanmar, since 2009
Humanitarian aid for Rohingya refugees has fallen as their numbers have grown and living conditions have worsened in Bangladesh camps and in host countries. Malaysia has announced screening and a plan to repatriate up to 5,000 Myanmar nationals, prompting fear, detentions and evictions; rights groups and the UN have warned returns could put refugees at risk.
A fighter jet has bombed a monastery in Swel Le Oh village, Myaung township, Sagaing region, killing 14 people (including 3 women) and wounding 20 others as hundreds gathered for Buddhist Lent. Reports say two bombs were dropped 15 minutes apart; deaths include elderly villagers at a retreat and nearby residents.
Myanmar’s president Min Aung Hlaing has visited Malaysia for two days while Kuala Lumpur is proceeding with a programme to repatriate up to 5,000 Myanmar nationals. Malaysia says roughly 10,000 people have returned this year and that repatriations are voluntary; the UN and rights groups have warned they cannot verify voluntariness and say returnees, including possible Rohingya, face grave risks in a country at war.