Jul 4, 2013 1 min read

YANGON, Myanmar (AP) – Myanmar says a tense calm has returned to western Rakhine state after rioters set four houses ablaze, the latest violence between Buddhists and minority Muslims.

Deputy Information Minister Ye Htut says the alleged rape of a woman by a motorcycle taxi driver in the coastal town of Thandwe triggered the flare-up late Sunday.

Police officer Nay Lin said Monday two suspects were arrested.

Since emerging from a half-century of military rule in 2011, the predominantly Buddhist nation has been grappling with violence targeting its minority Muslim community.

Nearly 250 people have been killed and 140,000 others forced to flee their homes.

Officials released few details about Sunday’s unrest, except that it occurred between people “of different religions.”

One resident of Thandwe said the houses burned all belonged to Muslims.