YANGON, July 10 (Xinhua) -- Two terrorists have been shot dead by Myanmar security forces with another one being caught as the forces returned fire to the terrorists in northern Rakhine state, Myanmar News Agency reported Monday.

The incident came after the government's security forces were attacked by the terrorists with small arms and mines from a house while the forces were patrolling near Tinmay village in Buthidaung township Sunday.

As the forces tried to clear the house, three terrorists ran out and were shot.

Various types of weapons and equipment were seized from the terrorists.

According to another report, 10 suspects were also arrested by the security forces in Norokla village, Maungtaw township in the same state in the weekend as the forces conducted a search in the village on information of the terrorists' hideout.

More conflicts continued to take place in Sittway and Buthidaung last week, prompting the deployment of additional security forces to the areas to prevent spread of the conflicts.

Myanmar security forces have been put on high alert in Maungtaw following the recent spate of killing and fear of fresh attacks by armed men.

In the past two weeks alone, six civilians have been murdered and two have gone missing or been abducted.

The incident has prompted nearly 200 Rakhine villagers to flee the area.

Security has been tightened near villages in Maungtaw.

According to a statement of the National Security Advisor on security situation, the military has found increasing evidence of extreme activities in recent weeks with tunnels, guns and a terrorist training camp being uncovered in Bhthidaung-Maungtaw area's Mayu Mountain.

During the period from October last year to July 4 this year, a total of 43 civilians had been murdered in Maungtaw area with 26 others missing or abducted including four community leaders.