Another killed in Ambon violence

AMBON, Maluku: At least one person was found dead on Monday in the strife-torn city of Ambon, Maluku, after several land mine explosions there injured six others, including three soldiers.

Piter Joseph, the dead victim, who was mute, sustained several stab wounds to his body. He had been declared missing on Sunday night after being abducted by armed men.

The six injured civilians and troops are receiving medical treatment at separate hospitals in Ambon. They were wounded as three land mines blew up on Sunday night in the forest near Galala village, Sirimau subdistrict.

Two of the three injured soldiers may have to have limbs amputated because their bones were severely broken, according to local military officer Maj. Herry Suhardi.

Earlier on Saturday night, a bomb hoax forced hundreds off a ferry, which docked at Gudang Arang port, Benteng village, Ambon. The passengers await evacuation.

The bomb scare followed the arrest of suspect Ricky Solisa, who claimed to have planted a bomb inside the ship. However, no explosive device was discovered. --JP