10 killed in Aceh before Susilo visit

BANDA ACEH, Aceh: Ten people, including seven alleged Aceh separatist rebels, have died in clashes ahead of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's first visit to the province as president, a military source said on Thursday.

Among the victims were the village chief Ujung Pulo Cut in South Aceh, his wife and 10-year-old child, said district military chief Jamhur Ismail, who blamed the Free Aceh Movement rebels for the attack.

Rebels stormed into the village chief's house and opened fire on his entire family, he claimed, adding that the motive was not known. The chief's four-month-old baby was also shot.

Susilo is to leave Jakarta early on Friday for Banda Aceh on his first visit to the province since taking office last month. -- AFP