GAM bases raided, 12 found dead

GAM bases raided, 12 found dead

BANDA ACEH, Aceh: Indonesian military (TNI) troops claimed to
have raided two main bases of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM)
separatist rebel group in the village of Jiemjiem, Bandar Baru
district, Pidie regency on Wednesday.

The village was believed to be the hideout of GAM commander
Teungku Abdullah Syafiie, the place from which he led military
resistance against Jakarta.

Local military spokesman Lt. Col. Firdaus said on Thursday
that the troops seized GAM military supplies in the raid but
failed to locate GAM forces.

Meanwhile, at least 12 people were found dead in various
locations in East Aceh, Central Aceh and Pidie, according to
humanitarian activists and GAM.

Rights activist Zulkarnaini said that men's bodies were found
over the last 10 days floating in the nearby river.

"We identified six of them as residents of Idi Rayeuk, who
went missing following a joint police and military raid last
week," Zulkarnaini said.

Spokesman for the GAM in Central Aceh Wien Rimbe Raya accused
the local military-trained militia members of killing two
civilians and burning 59 houses there.

Police spokesman Comr. Sudharsono strongly denied the charges,
saying such a militia did not exist. (50)