New violence in Ambon despite emergency state
New violence in Ambon despite emergency state
AMBON, Maluku (JP): There seems to be no reprieve from
violence in Ambon despite the state of civil emergency, as six
more people were killed and 12 others injured in clashes on
Thursday.
According to information from Dr. Haulussy General Hospital,
Bakti Rahayu Private Hospital and Al Fatah Islamic Hospital, most
of the victims suffered gunshot wounds or were injured by bomb
shrapnel.
One of the fatalities, identified as Hengki Prayogo, was shot
in the head by a sniper at about 11 a.m. as he was driving on a
road connecting the areas of Pohon Pule and Trikora.
Other fatalities were identified as Elisa Leasa, Ongki Remas,
Adjid Uwen and Charles Kaimarehe. They died in separate afternoon
incidents across the city.
Later in the day, Sgt. Agus Yatno of the Ambon Police was shot
and killed by armed attackers who raided a police station in an
attempt to occupy the area.
The latest clashes erupted after a gunfight occurred between
speedboats off Teluk Ambon Baguala in the morning.
According to the chief of Maluku's Indonesian Ulemas Council,
Malik Selang, four people, including a soldier, were injured in
the exchange of fire.
News of the gunfight spread quickly and provoked armed
aggressors to take to the streets. Rioters destroyed at least
four houses with bombs and grenades in the ensuing violence.
The rampage spread to Pohon Pule at about 11 a.m. and mobs
ransacked the area. Security forces appeared unable to prevent
the destruction, and explosions and gunfire were still heard in
the city as of late Thursday evening.
Pattimura Military Commander Brig. Gen. I Made Yasa was quoted
by Antara late on Thursday as saying his troops were still
sweeping Ambon for guns. "But because of a lack of personnel,
many locals are still in possession of massive amounts of
weapons."
Maluku Governor Saleh Latuconsina refused to comment on this
latest outbreak of violence, but warned that provocateurs were
trying to spread more terror outside the city. "I'm through
talking. I'm very concerned about this violence and it is up to
the security forces to handle it."
Elsewhere, in the ravaged town of Poso, Central Sulawesi,
police shot and killed Aris Rembang early on Tuesday after the
victim allegedly attacked the officers.
"Aris was shot in Kasiguncu village, Poso Pesisir district,
and died en route to the hospital," Wirabuana Military Command
spokesman Lt. Col. Mulyono said on Thursday.
At least 170 people were killed and thousands fled their homes
when rioting broke out in Poso on May 23. (49/27/edt)