The Deputy Director General of the President Office U Zaw Htay said the ‘cleaning operation’ by Myanmar military in Maungtaw has been halted. The operation was launched after last October attack on the border guard outposts of Myanmar security forces and it has lasted for more than four months. The spokesperson said during late January that the offensive was stopped, as they are no longer necessary, it was not halted due to pressure the international organizations including the United Nations. “According to the nature of offensive, it is no longer needed, what was done previously was conducting clearing operations in the villages and suspect were arrested. As per current situation such operation are no longer needed,” U Zaw Htay said. According the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the 69000 people have fled to Bangladesh due to the offensive by the joint forces of military and other security forces. Myanmar military said it launch offensive to put down terrorism in the region. Reference: The Voice 17 February 2017