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)