Rebel shot dead in Aceh skirmish

BANDA ACEH, Aceh: An alleged member of the separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM) was shot dead during an armed skirmish with a joint patrol in Buloh Blang Ara village, North Aceh, on Tuesday, police said on Wednesday.

Muhammad Jafar, 40, was killed in the clash that ensued after GAM members threw a grenade at security forces on patrol in the area, North Aceh Police chief Supt. Abadan Bangko said.

"We seized a grenade, six AK-47 bullets, a walkie-talkie and a map after the attack," he said.

Locals, however, said Jafar was shot by security officers in front of his house during a search in which three people were arrested. Jafar's body reportedly was claimed by his family for burial later in the day.

The GAM commander in North Aceh, Abu Sofyan Daud, said Jafar was not a member of the organization. (50/edt)