Tension escalates in Ambon<\/p>\n
AMBON, Maluku (JP): Tension has been escalating in the strife-
\ntorn Maluku capital of Ambon following a series of incidents and
\nan accident that has left nine people dead and several injured in
\nthe past few days.<\/p>\n
Seven people drowned on Monday night when a speedboat heading
\nfor Amahusu and Latuhalat villages in Nusaniwe district from
\nPantai Benteng sank off Air Salobar, about seven kilometers east
\nof Ambon.<\/p>\n
Witnesses said the speedboat usually carried only 16 to 18
\npassengers, but when the accident took place the boat was
\ncarrying 28 to 30 people.<\/p>\n
\"The situation was tense in the city and there was not enough
\ntransportation so people forced their way onto that one boat.<\/p>\n
\"Strong waves overturned the vessel,\" a local journalist said
\non Tuesday night.<\/p>\n
Local authorities and residents were still looking for the
\nother passengers.<\/p>\n
\"It's possible some of those passengers survived,\" the
\nreporter said.<\/p>\n
As of Tuesday night, sounds of gunfire were still heard from
\nBatu Gantung, Perigi Lima and Pohon Pule in downtown Ambon.<\/p>\n
\"It's not clear who fired the shots but people are worried.
\nResidents have to avoid certain areas of Batu Merah - Mardika and
\nDiponegoro areas since snipers are reportedly still roaming
\nthere.<\/p>\n
\"It's not safe to travel the streets, especially in the
\nafternoon. So, after 1 p.m. the roads are usually deserted and no
\ntransportation dares to pass,\" the journalist added.<\/p>\n
The accident brought the death toll to at least nine in a week
\nof renewed violence on Ambon island. (49\/edt)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/tension-escalates-in-ambon-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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