One dead in Ambon clash

AMBON, Maluku: Fresh violence erupted in Mardika here on Saturday, leaving one person dead and five injured.

Civil Security Post's spokesman John Tomasowa confirmed the attack, but could not identify the fatality.

The wounded, identified as Fendy Ruhubreg, Elly Muskita, Yance Usmani, Ongen and Andreas Souhoka, were among seven guards on duty in a building on Jl. Tulukabessy, in Mardika.

They suffered shrapnel injuries following the explosion of a homemade bomb hurled by attackers, suspected to come from the neighboring district Batumerah.

Military troops were deployed to the scene of the incident with two armored vehicles. Throughout the rest of the day security personnel were maintained in the area to prevent further clashes between the two rival groups. (49/lup)