One more dead in Ambon clash

AMBON, Maluku: One died and 15 others were wounded in fresh communal clashes which rocked Ambon on Tuesday.

Sources at Dr. Haulussy Hospital confirmed that Yansen, a teenager, died of a bullet wound.

Clashes took place in Benteng Atas, Pohon Mangga, Ahuru and Karang Panjang areas and prompted fearful shop owners to close their businesses early and residents to remain at home.

Tuesday's shooting was a repetition of another deadly clash in which one man was killed on Sunday.

Twelve people, including an officer from the Siliwangi battalion, were killed in separate incidents on Monday.

Many believe the fatal clashes involved security troops. The arrest of an Army sergeant at a trouble spot was believed to be proof of the allegation.

Sgt. Lamuhidi, a member of the 732 Ternate battalion, was reportedly arrested among the warring people in Pohon Mangga. People voiced surprise at the presence of the sergeant owing to the fact that he is based in Ternate, which is two days travel by ship from Ambon.

Commander of Pattimura military police Lt. Col. A. Sulaiman confirmed the arrest of Lamuhidi on Tuesday. He said Lamuhidi was on leave in Ambon to visit relatives, but he should have returned to Ternate as his leave ended on June 30. (48/sur)