North Maluku conflict continues

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)