Kopassus member killed in Aceh

BANDA ACEH, Aceh: The continuing violence in Aceh has claimed the life of a soldier, who was shot dead by rebels in West Aceh on Wednesday.

The local military spokesman, Maj. Zaenal Muttaqin, said First Sgt. I Made Sukarna of the Army's Special Force (Kopassus) was killed while looking into a communications blackout in Padang Klieng village, which was caused by a cut telephone line. Sukarna went to the village on foot, along with Pvt. Khairuddin.

Muttaqin said a dozen rebels from the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) ambushed the two soldiers in the Kede Teunom market. Sukarna died immediately with gunshot wounds to the head. Khairuddin survived the ambush unharmed.

The soldiers did not return fire on the rebels for fear of hitting civilians in the market, Muttaqin said.

Sukarna's body was to be flown to Jakarta later on Wednesday. -- Antara