UN says 28,000 displaced in Myanmar ethnic clashes

SITTWE, Myanmar (AP) -- The United Nations says the number of people displaced by ethnic and sectarian unrest in Myanmar last week has risen to 28,000.

U.N. Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Myanmar Ashok Nigam says the figure is likely to rise because some people who fled affected areas along the coast by boat have yet to be counted.

Nigam said Monday that 27,300 people -- the vast majority of those confirmed displaced -- are Muslim.

Tensions have simmered in the region since clashes between ethnic Rakhine Buddhists and Rohingya Muslims first broke out in June.

A new wave of skirmishes erupted Oct. 14, but officials say the area has been calm since Saturday.

The government says the most recent violence killed at least 84 people and injured 129 more.

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