Kostrad members attack police HQ

MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: The provincial police headquarters was attacked by a group of men believed to be members of the Army's Strategic Army Reserves Command (Kostrad) on Saturday.

No injuries were reported in the brief attack, and the only damages were to the guard post in front of the police headquarters compound.

Witnesses said the attackers got off five military trucks, a Kijang and a Daihatsu Espass van, before vandalizing the guard post.

Security has tightened at both the police headquarters and the Kostrad base in Kariango area following the incident.

Many linked the attack to a brawl between policemen and Kostrad personnel last Sunday, which resulted in four soldiers being injured.

Provincial police chief Brig. Gen. Mudji Santoso would not confirm the speculation, saying the previous incident had been settled. He added those involved in Sunday's brawl had been questioned.

Mudji called on people not to exaggerate the incidents involving his personnel and Kostrad members. "I have called the regional military commander (Maj. Gen. Slamet Kirbiantoro) and we will discuss the situation on Monday," he said. (08/27)