Authorities in neighboring Bangladesh said dozens of people have attempted to flee across the border in recent days.

Violence and silence

Throughout, many have looked to Myanmar's civilian government, and particularly Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, to act as a check on the military.

However, under a constitution drafted by the former junta, the military retains 25% of the seats in parliament, and control of security matters.

The Myanmar Armed Forces, or Tatmadaw, is led by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who was handpicked by former junta strongman Than Shwe to succeed him in 2011.

While analysts did not dispute that the military is leading operations in Rakhine, they expressed disappointment with the government's lack of action.

"When these types of violations are being committed by the government it is reason for concern for everyone in the country."

Risk of instability

United Nations envoy Zainab Hawa Bangura has also expressed grave concern over allegations of rape and sexual assault of women in girls in Rakhine as part of a "wider pattern of ethnically motivated violence" in the region.

He promised that the government would "cooperate with the media for sensitive conflict reports in the future."

CNN has repeatedly reached out to Suu Kyi's office for comment but hasn't received a response.

Disappointment

In an interview with CNN in September, Suu Kyi said her government was having "a lot of trouble trying to bring about the kind of harmony and understanding and tolerance that we wish for."

"This is not the only problem we have to face, (but) this is one on which the international community has focused," Suu Kyi said, pointing to the establishment of Annan's commission and the lifting on some restrictions on the movement of Rohingya as actions her administration has taken.

Nevertheless, at times Suu Kyi's silence on the issue has been deafening. Smith described the current response as "deeply concerning."

"I don't have words to describe the disappointment with her government," he said.

While he was skeptical over how much power the civilian government had to influence military activity in Rakhine state, Anthony Ware, a Myanmar specialist at Australia's Deakin University, said Suu Kyi's silence was a "long term consistent trend."

"We have not seen a lot of leadership on this issue from (Suu Kyi or the NLD)," he said.

With the military in full control of security issues, and backed up by its 25% base in parliament, its unclear how much effect a more vocal NLD government could have.

"Muslims are perceived nationally, even by most of the ethnic minorities, as a threat to Buddhism and threat to national security," Ware said.

Military abuses

Before and after the country's transition to democracy, the Burmese military has been accused of torture, rape, and the systematic abuse of child soldiers.

"All of the key issues in Rakhine State and activities are under military control," said Ware.

"While there are armed elements in Rakhine, and while there are significant fears of a loss of control of the border and potential international Islamic terrorist influence, the military will not allow anyone else to have much of a say."

Smith said the military is carrying out a "clearance operation" against Muslims in the region, and warned that international crimes may be being committed.

"We've documented how Rakhine State authorities were talking about a plan to demolish Muslim-owned properties prior to the October attacks. It would appear that strategy is in some ways being carried out in another context," he said.