Muslims, Buddhists clash in Myanmar

SITTWE, Myanmar, Oct. 24 (UPI) -- Sectarian violence has broken out in the Myanmar countryside between Buddhists and Muslims, authorities say, causing five deaths so far.

The BBC reported Wednesday more than 1,000 homes had burned since the fighting broke out Sunday in Min Bya and Mrauk Oo. The government has instituted a night-time curfew in the towns in an attempt to quell the fighting.

A state of emergency in the region has been declared, allowing the military to rule with martial law, the BBC reported.

The violence stems from the rape and murder of a Buddhist woman by three Muslims in the region in May. Buddhists responded with an attack that killed 10 Muslims in retaliation. Tensions have escalated since then, the BBC reported.