Leading Aceh rebel surrenders to military<\/p>\n
Tengku Agam Muzakir and Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post,
\nLhokseumawe\/Medan<\/p>\n
A top Free Aceh Movement (GAM) figure has surrendered to the
\nmilitary authorities in West Aceh regency, the Indonesian
\nMilitary (TNI) announced on Thursday.<\/p>\n
Military operation in Aceh spokesman Lt. Col. Ahmad Yani
\nBasuki said Ibrahim Syafii, who claimed to be the GAM governor in
\nMeulaboh, surrendered to West Aceh Military Command troops at
\naround 6 p.m. local time on Wednesday.<\/p>\n
Yani identified Ibrahim as one of the most-wanted loyalists of
\nHasan Tiro, the head of GAM living in exile in Sweden.<\/p>\n
\"Before his submission, he (Ibrahim) met with local community
\nleaders in Blang Balee village to express his intention to rejoin
\nthe Unitary State of Indonesia. The community figures then
\nbrought him to the TNI,\" Yani told Antara.<\/p>\n
No weapons or GAM symbols were confiscated from Ibrahim, who
\nis now in military custody for questioning over his involvement
\nin the separatist rebel group.<\/p>\n
TNI is intensifying the hunt for top GAM leaders during the
\nsecond period of martial law, which was extended for another six
\nmonths on Nov. 19.<\/p>\n
The TNI claims that some 2,000 rebels have been captured or
\nhave surrendered during the military offensive.<\/p>\n
There is no way to confirm the TNI figures due to
\ninternationally criticized controls on the media and aid
\nagencies.<\/p>\n
Yani also said that five other GAM members were captured,
\nthree had surrendered and three were killed in separate
\noperations throughout Wednesday.<\/p>\n
Separately, the martial law administration in Aceh said a team
\nhad been sent to Aceh Singkil regency to investigate the cause of
\nan accident involving an armored car. A cameraman from Indosiar
\ntelevision station was killed and five military personnel and
\nanother journalist wounded in the incident.<\/p>\n
The body of Arie Waylan Orah, 44, was taken to his home in
\nPamulang in Tangerang, Banten, on Thursday. He was expected to be
\nburied Friday.<\/p>\n
Arie, 44, was killed when the armored car overturned after its
\nbrakes apparently failed near Sulambe Baru village in Aceh
\nSingkil regency.<\/p>\n
His colleague, Siska Gurning, was hospitalized with serious
\nhead injuries. They were accompanying the deputy assistant to
\nArmy chief for logistics.<\/p>\n
All the survivors are being treated at Kodam I Bukit Barisan
\nmilitary hospital in Medan.<\/p>\n
Siska remained unable to communicate as of Thursday.<\/p>\n
One of the military personnel wounded in the accident, Pvt.
\nSupriadi, told The Jakarta Post the armored vehicle rammed into a
\nrock and rolled over a hill after its brakes failed.<\/p>",
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