YANGON, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- Extremist terrorists continued to make coordinated attacks on several police outposts in Maungtaw, Myanmar's northern Rakhine state throughout Sunday, torching houses of their own with the intention of flaming the violence to totally destroy the town, said the State Counselor's Office Monday.
At least hundreds of terrorists in each incident blew out improvised bombs, setting several villages on fire and attacking over 10 police outposts including those in Ngayantchaung, Minkhamoung, Yeaung Chaungwa, Taungpyo-Letwe, Nwayontaung, Kyaukhlaygar areas in Maungtaw.
Using hand-made bombs and holding sticks, spears and swords, the terrorists surrounded some villages and police posts, forcing the police to disperse them by opening fire.
One security personnel went missing, sources said.
Firefighters and security personnel, while trying to put out the fire, were again attacked by the terrorists who fled the scene after exchange of fire.
The security forces were trying to repel the terrorists' attacks on Maungtaw, home to both Bengalis and Myanmar ethnic minority.
Meanwhile, Myanmar authorities have declared the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) as extremist terrorist group involved in the attacks since last Friday, urging people not to encourage, support and abet the extremist terrorists.
The authorities also advised the local people not to be malicious and aggressive, not to hold sticks, knives or swords or any other weapon while the security forces are undertaking their duties and not to get outside in the time prohibited by curfew order.
Local people desiring for peace are also urged to cooperate with the security forces and administrative personnel without any concern in keeping peace and stability in the area.
