Asia News

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MYANMAR:
Myanmar’s state run media have reported that over 22 thousand people are estimated to have been displaced by the clashes between Muslims and Buddhists in the western part of the country. In addition, at least 84 have been killed and another 129 injured.
The United Nations humanitarian team in Myanmar also reports the destruction of large numbers of houses and that those displaced were in need of immediate assistance.
Local Islamic groups decided to cancel the celebration of a 4 day religious holiday in response to the severity of the clashes. The most severe clashes have taken place in Rakhine state.
INDONESIA:
Police raids conducted in at least 4 scattered areas of Indonesia Saturday have resulted in the arrest of eleven terrorists suspected of planning attacks that included the U.S. Consulate in East Java. Bombs ready to use, detonators, manuals, and ammunition were found in their possession. The suspects are believed to belong to a group called Harakat Sunni for Indonesia Community (Hasmi), a new terrorist cell.
MALAYSIA:
The Malaysian Foreign Ministry reports that a pair of its citizens was arrested in Beirut, Lebanon last Sunday on charges of being connected with an al Qaeda terrorist group. They further reported that they are assisting Lebanon in the investigation. They are identified as Rafik Mohammed, 21, and Mohammed Razin Shaaban, 28.
VIETNAM:
A powerful tropical storm named Son-Tinh raked the north coast of Vietnam on Monday after passing through the region for several days. It left a trail of death and destruction. It has left some 30 dead and destroyed homes and caused widespread flooding. Over a quarter of a million people had to be evacuated for their safety.
Last week the same storm caused floods and landslides as it swept through central Philippines.