Military kill eight more rebels

BANDA ACEH, Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam: Eight members of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) have reportedly been killed in separate gunfights with the military troops across the province, a military spokesman said on Sunday.

Spokesman for the military operation in Aceh. Lt. Col. Ahmad Yani Basuki told the press in Lhokseumawe on Sunday that the military confiscated around 10 weapons of different types and two hand-grenades from the rebels.

The shootouts took place in the districts of Pidie, Southwest Aceh, East Aceh and North Aceh, which have been known as the rebels' strongholds.

A military soldier, identified as Pvt. Pietson, was also killed in a crossfire in Kudung Batee village in Southwest Aceh regency on Saturday, Yani said. -- Antara