Mines found in S. Sulawesi

Mines found in S. Sulawesi

SURABAYA: In an operation to hunt mines left over from World
War II, the Navy has reportedly found 278 contact devices for
submarine mines in the Tanakeke waters in the Galengsong Selatan
district, Takalar regency in South Sulawesi. Twenty-five were
believed to be active, according to a navy spokesman in Surabaya.

Information officer Commander Ditya Soedarsono said Thursday
that the operation called Sapu Bersih Kakulubodo 98 managed to
defuse each of the mines in six days recently.

"The war has indeed left a grim legacy in the form of mines
which are potentially dangerous to ships along the route," Ditya
said.

The defusing of mines was conducted when the navy was helping
with the laying of underwater communication cables belonging to
PT Telkom, the state-run communications company. (anr)