Gunmen burn hotel in Aceh

BANDA ACEH, Aceh: An unidentified armed group set alight Hotel Meutia and three fire engines belonging to fertilizer producer PT Pupuk Iskandar Muda in North Aceh on Sunday, Antara reported.

Maj. Sayed Husaini, spokesman for the Aceh Provincial Police, said here on Sunday that the arson took place at 2 a.m.

No casualties were reported, but the attack caused about Rp 2 billion (US$285,000) in damages.

Jailani, a hotel security guard who witnessed the incident, said the armed group comprised some 20 people.

"They appeared all of sudden, beat me and burned the building," he said.

The fire at the hotel was put out one hour later. (rms)