Rebel shot dead in Aceh skirmish

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)