Nine sportsmen abducted in Aceh

BANDA ACEH: After participating in the Aceh provincial sports week in Sigli, nine athletes and officials from the Aceh Singkil regency were reportedly abducted by a group of unidentified armed men in Peureulak, East Aceh regency, Antara reported on Thursday.

The military operation command spokesman in Lhokseumawe, Maj. Zaenal Mutaqin, confirmed the incident.

"I have received a report that the nine athletes and officials from Aceh Singkil were abducted by armed civilians on Wednesday afternoon, as they were returning home after taking part in the sports event in Sigli," Mutaqin said.

"We became aware of the abductions when the driver of the car carrying the abducted people reported the incident to a security post," he said.

According to the driver, identified as Sofyan Thaib, the car he was driving was intercepted by about 20 armed men in the area of Peureulak.

Sofyan was ordered out of the car and then his mouth was taped shut. The armed men then drove away in the car, with the nine athletes and officials.

The fate of the nine men remains unknown, but security personnel are tracking their whereabouts.

Zaenal hinted that the armed civilians were possibly rebels from the Free Aceh Movement. -- Antara