Sectarian tensions that have plagued predominantly Buddhist Myanmar in recent years may swell the ranks of Islamic jihadi groups and hinder the country's economic growth.
In September, al-Qaida announced the establishment of a new South Asian branch, specifically identifying intended areas of operations as India, Bangladesh and Myanmar. The announcement followed al-Qaida's public severing of ties with the Islamic State group in February, and may be an attempt by the group to re-establish leadership in the global jihadi community.