YANGON, July 23 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar security forces have arrested nine people suspected of murdering a community leader in Buthidaung township, Rakhine state on July 4, Myanmar News Agency reported Sunday.
The arrest was made on Friday and all the suspects are under investigation.
A spate of violence occurred in Buthidaung and Maungtaw from last October to July with at least 44 civilians being killed and 27 others kidnapped by masked armed men.
The killing has prompted hundreds of Rakhine villagers to flee the area.
Myanmar security forces have been put on high alert in Maungtaw in the wake of the violence.
Security has been tightened around villages in Maungtaw.
According to a recent statement of the National Security Advisor on the security situation in the state, the military has found increasing evidence of extreme activities in recent weeks, with tunnels, guns and a terrorist training camp uncovered in Buthidaung-Maungtaw area's Mayu Mountain.
