Deadly attack in Myanmar ahead of Obama visit

Myanmar state media said ethnic rebels in the country’s north have staged a deadly attack on a prison convoy. The attack highlights a violence-plagued corner of Myanmar just days before a historic visit by President Barack Obama.

White House officials said on Thursday that Mr. Obama would use his visit to the former pariah state to push for “urgent action” in areas, where progress is needed most notably freeing political prisoners and ending ethnic tensions in western Rakhine state and northern Kachin state.

State media reported on Friday that the latest attack occurred in Kachin state, with ethnic Kachin rebels ambushing a five-car prison convoy. The attack on Wednesday left two convicts dead and 14 injured.

(AP)