Four rebels killed in restive Aceh

Four rebels killed in restive Aceh

BANDA ACEH, Aceh: At least four rebels of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) were killed in the latest armed clash between the separatist guerrillas and military forces in Aceh Besar regency on Wednesday, official and Red Cross sources said.

Military spokesman Lt. Col. Firdaus confirmed later on Wednesday that a GAM operational commander in Aceh Besar, identified as Nurdin Sidom, 31, was among the casualties.

"We also seized three guns from the rebels shortly after the gun battle. The other dead rebel was identified as Suwandi, 25, while the identities of the other two remained unknown," the official said.

The four bodies, all bearing gunshot wounds, were evacuated by the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) from the site of the clash at Mee village in Indarpuri district in Aceh Besar regency, some 25 kilometers east of Banda Aceh.

"The bodies were taken to Zainoel Abdin General Hospital in Banda Aceh," PMI's Fauzi Husaini said.

Meanwhile, three regencies, North Aceh, East Aceh and Bireun, were hit by power blackouts following an act of sabotage on power supply equipment in East Aceh, officer Firdaus said.

According to the officer, a group of gunmen, believed to be GAM members, seriously damaged an electricity tower in East Aceh, causing the power black out in the three regencies.

"This is an act of sabotage by GAM members," the officer claimed. No GAM spokesmen were available for comment.

Violence in Aceh has claimed at least 1,300 lives this year, mostly civilians caught in clashes between separatist rebels and security forces.

GAM rebels have been fighting for an independent Islamic State since the mid-1970's. The central government under President Megawati Soekarnoputri has flatly rejected demands for separation, and has awarded Aceh special autonomy status. --JP