Armed group attacks, sets fire to airport in Aceh<\/p>\n
BANDA ACEH, Aceh (JP): An armed gang attacked and set fire to
\nthe terminal of Malikussaleh Airport, which serves the
\neconomically strategic Arun gasfields, about 45 kilometers west
\nof Lhokseumawe, North Aceh, on Saturday night.<\/p>\n
No fatalities were reported in the incident, which took place
\nabout 9 p.m. local time.<\/p>\n
\"Witnesses said five people started the fire, three of whom
\nwere carrying rifles,\" North Aceh Police chief Lt. Col. Syafei
\nAksal said on Sunday morning. Only unarmed security guards were
\npresent at the airport at the time of the incident, Syafei added.<\/p>\n
Aksal said the five were dressed in military fatigues, adding
\nthat the attack was suspected to be the work of the Free Aceh
\nMovement (GAM).<\/p>\n
Two fire engines from nearby gas company PT Arun came to
\nextinguish the fire but not before it gutted the departure
\nterminal.<\/p>\n
\"The radar and all navigational equipment were saved but we
\ndon't know for sure whether the airport will resume operation,\"
\nSyafei said, adding that security has been tightened around the
\ncompound to avoid further disputes.<\/p>\n
Initial estimates of losses reach Rp 50 million.<\/p>\n
The Malikussaleh Airport is a special air base located at the
\nPintoe Weu village, Muara Batu district. It is jointly managed by
\nstate oil company Pertamina and PT Arun.<\/p>\n
The Arun gasfields are a major supplier of liquefied natural
\ngas to countries like Japan and South Korea.<\/p>\n
The 1,800-meter-long and 30-meter-wide runway is used to serve
\ntwo regular flights, usually by Fokker-27 or DSA-7 airplanes, to
\nthe North Sumatra provincial capital of Medan each day.<\/p>\n
Sources at the airport said on Sunday flights would be
\ntemporarily halted until further notice.<\/p>\n
Shootout<\/p>\n
Meanwhile in the latest clash between GAM rebels and security
\nforces, at least six gunfights were recorded in various locations
\nin the restive province during the weekend.<\/p>\n
A total of three alleged rebels were reportedly killed.<\/p>\n
A joint operation of Marines, Army and police forces raided a
\nsuspected GAM base in Glee Panton Kulat village in Meurudu,
\nPidie, early on Sunday, killing the three rebels.<\/p>\n
They were identified as M. Isa Usman, 40, Munir Ismail, 18 and
\nHusaini, 28.<\/p>\n
The engagement was part of the Sadar Rencong III operation
\nwhich was launched last week.<\/p>\n
The raid, which involved about 50 soldiers and police
\nofficers, began at about 5:30 a.m.<\/p>\n
No exchange of fire occurred in the first two raids.<\/p>\n
During the third raid, a 30-minute gunfight ensued.<\/p>\n
Three suspected rebels and four local residents were hurt in
\nthe attack.<\/p>\n
The three suspected rebels wounded were identified as M Nasir,
\nTarwirmi and Ikhwan. All are said to be villagers of Pasie
\nLembang, Kluet Selatan subdistrict.<\/p>\n
The four civilians were Muslim, 50, Abu Duren, 42, Muhammad,
\n15, and Mawardi, 15, were hit by stray bullets and rushed to Dr.
\nYulidin Away Hospital.<\/p>\n
After the raid several home-made rifles, 120 AK-47 bullets, 22
\nCIS bullets, two radios and machetes, and five motorcycles were
\nconfiscated.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile in Pasi Lembang village, South Kluet district on
\nSaturday, 10 suspected rebels were arrested when police raided
\nthree separatist bases.<\/p>\n
Aceh remains gripped by sporadic clashes between security
\nforces and rebels despite claims by the government that it was
\nclose to resolving the issue through negotiations. (50\/51\/edt)<\/p>",
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