JP/1/MAP26

Day 8: Conflict in Aceh

Pidie: An Army infantry unit led by Capt. Arifin clashed with some 40 Free Aceh Movement (GAM) members in Lhok Ulam hamlet at around 11:20 a.m. local time. One of the government troops, First Sgt. Andrian Basidu was injured.

Bireuen: A joint military unit under Second Lt. A.P. Simatupang chased five armed rebels in Pato Cut village in Peusangan district at 12:15 p.m. The troops captured one of the rebels, along with a motorcycle, 31 bullets and a cellular phone.

West Aceh: Army troops led by First Sgt. Zahrial shot dead five rebels as they, along with 11 others, were trying to escape on a speedboat in Temaron village, in West Woyla district. The troops seized the speedboat along with a pistol and ammunition.

In the nearby village of Punti, Army soldiers under Second Lt. Da Costa were involved in a gunfight with 12 GAM members. One of the rebels, identified as Manaf, who is known as a local GAM commander, was killed. The troops confiscated a revolver and its 28 bullets, M-16 ammunition and 15 AK-47 ammunition.