Military drill ended

Military drill ended

WASHINGTON (Reuters): The United States military abruptly ended a small joint exercise in Indonesia Friday, saying it was concerned over anti-government demonstrations and ordered 17 elite U.S. special forces troops to leave the country.

Defense officials said the cancellation in the first week of a month-long training exercise was not in protest over the Jakarta government's handling of the student protests.

They said it was partly to protect U.S. special forces troops, who will return to their base on Okinawa.

But one official who asked not to be identified said the Pentagon was concerned about human rights in Indonesia, and six other joint U.S.-Indonesia military exercises scheduled there later in the year would be "considered on a case-by-case basis."

He said the decision was made by Defense Secretary William Cohen and senior military officials.

The U.S. State Department advised Americans on Wednesday to avoid travel to the city of Medan and to exercise caution in visiting Indonesia.