Maluku rioting kills three

TERNATE, North Maluku: At least three people were killed in the latest communal clashes to rock the remote district of East Gane.

The head of the Pattimura Military Command overseeing Maluku, Brig. Gen. Max Tamaela, said the three victims died from gunshots fired by security troops deployed to break up the clash on Monday between residents of Boso and Kayoa islands. The warring groups, armed with bows and arrows, Molotov cocktails and homemade bombs, began fighting at around 2:30 a.m.

"Security forces were forced to take firm action against the brutal crowds, who defied an order to disperse. We avoided a repeat of a previous incident that killed many people here," Tamaela said.

Clashes in Gane and Galela last week claimed at least 30 lives.

An overnight brawl also took place on the adjacent Morotai island, with residents of the southern and northern parts of the island clashing. There were no fatalities in the incident.

Tamaela said security forces had been ordered to sweep for weapons in the volatile areas. (49/edt)