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