Four die in Ambon violence

AMBON, Maluku: Four people were shot dead and 75 others were wounded in a fresh communal clash in riot-torn Ambon, Maluku on Friday, hospital sources said.

Staff of Dr. Haulusy General Hospital said three victims were admitted to the hospital. Another body was taken to the Protestant Church Hospital.

The riot, the latest of the prolonged clashes between Christians and Muslims in Ambon since early this year, started out in Ahuru, the southern outskirts of Ambon, at about 4 a.m.

Antara reported that dozens of houses were set on fire in the area. (48/04)