[Updated 8:01 a.m.] Sectarian violence in volatile western Myanmar has killed at least 50 people this week, officials in the state of Rakine said today.

More details here.

 [Posted 3:41 a.m.] Authorities have stepped up security measures in a volatile region of western Myanmar amid a fresh outbreak of sectarian violence between Buddhists and Muslims.

Clashes in recent days between the two communities in Rakhine State have killed seven people, wounded dozens of others and resulted in more than 1,000 houses being set on fire.

In an effort to clamp down on the unrest, authorities are sending extra security forces to the affected areas.