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