Rebels shoot civilian dead

DILI, East Timor: Local military chief Col. Mahidin Simbolon confirmed yesterday that Fretilin rebels killed a civilian last week in Manufahi, but denied reports that two soldiers died in an anti-government demonstration in Ermera.

He said up to eight rebels stopped a truck in Manufahi, about 136 kilometers south of the capital Dili on Thursday. They shot dead one passenger and robbed the other eight before fleeing.

Eyewitnesses identified the victim as Muhamad Idris, a South Sulawesi immigrant. The other passengers were from Java, Sumatra and East Timor. They were let go unharmed after the rebels blew up the truck, one eyewitness said.

Simbolon, stressed that there was no truth to reports that two soldiers were killed on Aug. 10 in an anti-government demonstration in Ermera, about 50 kilometers west of Dili.

He said security authorities killed three Fretilin rebels in a clash in Lautem, about 225 kilometers east of the capital, on July 24. (yac)