Armed group targets police outposts in restive Rakhine State.

Security personnel were killed after an Arakanese armed group launched simultaneous attacks on four police outposts in northern Rakhine State early Friday morning.

Brig. Gen. Zaw Min Tun of the Myanmar Army said reinforcements have been dispatched to respond to the attacks that happened yesterday between 4 to 5 am in Buthidaung and Maungdaw townships.

At least nine were killed during the attack involving more than 100 Arakan Army (AA) soldiers. One of the men killed is believed to be a police chief. AA has reportedly taken 13 security personnel hostage.

The police outposts were legitimate targets, said Khaing Thukha, an officer for the armed group’s information department. Police officers from these stations have been used by the Myanmar Army during campaigns against the AA.

“Villagers have been tortured by these border guard police when they took part in military operations. The Burma army has also used the police posts to fire heavy artillery (at our troops). So that’s why we attacked them,” Khaing Thukha said.

Attacks were carried out against Kyaung Taung, Gok Pee, Kha Htee La and Nga Myin Baw police stations.

The Myanmar Army used combat helicopters against AA in retaliation for the attacks. But some bombs landed in Kha Htee La village, lighting homes on fire, residents said.

Fighting between AA and Myanmar Army has been increasing in Rakhine State since end of last year.