Donggala attack damages houses, a car

DONGGALA, Central Sulawesi: A group of Tolu residents attacked the neighboring subdistrict of Kotarindau on Sunday night, but no fatalities were reported in the incident.

However, at least 12 houses and a Toyota Kijang van were damaged as the angry Tolu residents pelted the houses and the car with stones before fleeing the scene.

Surprised by the attack, the residents of Kotarindau were unable to do much to defend their property. Before they could seek revenge, hundreds of police officers were deployed to the area in order to prevent the conflict from escalating.

The situation was still tense as of Sunday night as hundreds of Kotarindau residents armed with machetes stood around in groups guarding their neighborhood.

Central Sulawesi Police chief Brig. Gen. Aryanto Sutadi visited the area and instructed his men to find the attackers from Tulo subdistrict. Aryanto said that the conflict stemmed from a minor understanding between youths from the two subdistricts. -- JP