Muslims, Christians patrol churches

PALU, Central Sulawesi: Muslims and Christians in the district of Ampana Kota in Poso regency have been patrolling churches in the area following the explosion at a church in the area on Monday.

Central Sulawesi Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Agus Sugianto confirmed the explosion on Wednesday, saying that "it was only a molotov cocktail". No one was arrested over the blast.

He said that the night patrol conducted by both Muslims and Christians was conducted by local residents in anticipation of further attacks.

Quoting reports from Poso Police chief Sr. Comr. Djasman Baso, Agus said that the explosion took place at the back of a Roman Catholic church on Jl. Salimu, in the Ventaga subdistrict.

"Part of the house of the church guard was damaged. No one was injured," Agus said, adding that he had no idea if the explosion was linked to the sectarian clashes which had struck Poso recently.

Hundreds of people were killed in Poso when a series of clashes between Muslims and Christians erupted.

The trial of people believed to have masterminded the clashes is ongoing in Poso. (24/sur)