Kostrad suspected in police attack

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

No injuries were reported but there was minor damage to a guard post in front of the compound.

Witnesses said the attackers alighted from five military trucks, a Kijang and Daihatsu Espass vans and vandalized the post.

Security was tightened on Sunday and the situation around the police headquarters and the Kostrad base in Kariango area was calm but tense.

Many linked the attack to a brawl between policemen and Kostrad personnel last week which left four soldiers injured.

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

Mudji said the incident involving his personnel and Kostrad members should not be blown out of proportion.(08/27)