Marksmen set to target snipers in Ambon

Marksmen set to target snipers in Ambon

Two groups of paramilitary marksmen have been stationed in
conflict-prone areas of Ambon city to combat snipers during any
rioting.

The marksmen, equipped with high-powered rifles, will be
stationed atop high-rise buildings in conflict-prone areas like
Talake, Batugantung and Trikora.

According to the chief of the Pelopor II unit company, First
Insp. Yustanto Mujiharso, the two groups of 20 marksmen could
cover the entire Ambon city during a riot.

"They have special qualifications as marksmen. With our
personnel, we're optimistic we can counter snipers in riots in
Ambon," Yustanto told The Jakarta Post at the company's
headquarter in Talake, Ambon.

He said the presence of snipers in Ambon had created concern
since they were both armed and trained. Their many victims were
shot either in the head or chest.

The chief of Ambon island and Lease Islands police, Adj. Sr.
Comr. Leonidas Braksan, said the marksmen would be deployed on
April 25, the anniversary of the separatist South Maluku Republic
(RMS), when security disturbances were anticipated.

"I told them to train them for sharp shooting and other skills
because we have to be prepared for the worst on April 25. We
don't want another incident like last year's," Leonidas said,
referring to the deaths of at least 41 people in security
disturbances on April 25.

-- JP/M. Azis Tunny