Military kills most wanted rebel

LHOKSEUMAWE, Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam: The military killed on Sunday Suhardi Sulaiman, 33, alias Adi P., who has been listed as the most wanted rebel figure in Bireuen.

Troops from the Army's Strategic Reserve Command (Kostrad) gunned down Suhardi during three hours of crossfire at the foot of a hill in Paya Rhu subdistrict in Bireuen. The soldiers had encircled Suhardi and five of his companions since early in the morning.

Military sources said the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) rebels threw a grenade at the troops, but it did not explode.

The troops confirmed the death of Suhardi after the gunfight was over. A GAM flag and documents were found near the body.

No weapon was discovered, but the military suspected Suhardi's gun was taken away by his colleagues, who managed to flee.

The family of Suhardi, who was called later in the day, identified the body. - JP