Rohingya crisis: Two die as boat capsizes off Bangladesh
Image copyright Reuters Image caption Dozens of Rohingya have already died trying to cross in boats into neighbouring Bangladesh
At least two have died after a boat packed with Rohingya Muslims fleeing violence in Myanmar capsized near the Bangladesh coast, officials say.
A number of people are missing after the incident in the Naf river late on Sunday. It is thought about 100 people – including children – were on board.
A rescue operation is now under way.
Dozens of Rohingya have already died trying to cross into neighbouring Bangladesh amid a military crackdown in Myanmar’s Rakhine state.
Violence erupted in Rakhine in late August when Rohingya militants attacked security posts, triggering a military response.
More than half a million Rohingya – a mostly Muslim minority who are widely disliked in Myanmar and denied citizenship – have fled to Bangladesh since then.
Those who have fled accuse Myanmar’s military, backed by Buddhist mobs, of using a brutal campaign of killings and village burnings to try to drive them out.
The military rejects the allegations, saying it is targeting Rohingya militants.
