North Maluku conflict continues
AMBON, Maluku (JP): Tension gripped Galela district on Halmahera island in North Maluku on Tuesday, as sporadic attacks on several villages continued despite tighter security in the area.
The official death toll following Monday's predawn attack on two villages in the district rose to 51 after seven were killed in a follow-up attack.
"An armed attack took place in Dokulamo, the neighboring village near Makete and Duma later on Monday," Chief of the Pattimura Military Command overseeing Maluku Brig. Gen. Max Tamaela said.
Makete and Duma villages were attacked early Monday morning. At least 44 people died, but independent estimates put the death toll at 50.
Mobs reportedly renewed their attacks on Dokulamo around noon Tuesday, but according to Tamaela, security personnel have been able to control the situation.
"Troops from the 501st Battalion of the Army's Strategic Reserves Command (Kostrad) from Jailolo and Marines from Morotai have managed to regain control of the situation," Tamaela claimed.
"The rioters seem to be playing hide-and-seek with security forces," the general said.
Around 2,000 refugees from strife-torn villages in the area have taken refuge in Tobelo district and several areas in Galela which are so far considered safe.
On Tuesday, telephone communication to Galela remained very difficult as almost all lines were cut during a previous raid on Mauya village on Thursday, which left 34 dead.
There are also concerns over reports that "attackers" have setup camp in Soa Siu, one of the villages in Galela district.
Meanwhile in Ambon, a police truck was ambushed early on Tuesday when it passed the Batumerah Bawah area in Sirimau district.
A passenger, John Yalnaubun, suffered a gunshot wound in the head and was rushed to Ambon Police Hospital in Perigi Lima, Maluku Police spokesman Maj. Phillip Jakriel said on Tuesday.
Sounds of explosions were still heard in downtown Ambon, but the situation was reportedly calm.
Elsewhere in Poso, Central Sulawesi, security reinforcements remain on close watch to quell a possible escalation of the communal clashes which last week killed at least 16 people in the town.
Police have issued a shoot-on-sight order against rioters and are trying to prevent the unrest from spreading to other districts, Central Sulawesi Deputy Police Chief Col. Zainal Abidin said on Tuesday.
Wirabuana Military Commander Maj. Gen. Slamet Kirbiantoro said on Tuesday that his troops are ready to support the police.
"A company of soldiers from Makassar is scheduled to arrive in Poso soon to join Police Mobile Brigade (Brimob) there," he said. (49/27/edt)