A group of parliamentarians from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) called on Myanmar to probe reports of human rights abuses in troubled Rakhine state on Wednesday, as top diplomats based in the country set off to visit the area.
Troops have poured into northern Rakhine since militants believed to be Rohingya Muslims launched coordinated attacks on border posts on Oct. 9, killing nine police. The government says five soldiers and at least 33 alleged attackers have been killed in the military operation.
The territory has been cut off to aid workers and observers for more than three weeks. Residents and human rights advocates have said government forces have committed abuses including summary executions, rape and setting fire to homes.