Rebels shot dead on election day

BANDA ACEH, Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam: Soldiers shot and killed two Free Aceh Movement (GAM) commanders on election day after a gun battle, the Indonesian Military (TNI) said on Tuesday.

Local military spokesman Lt. Col. Asep Sapari said the soldiers were attacked on Monday when they attempted to capture GAM members hiding in the village of Teupin Raya in Julok, East Aceh.

Julok GAM commander Maimun Usman alias Tuyul, and GAM commander for Pasee, Mat Lepom, were killed down in the skirmish.

TNI soldiers seized two M-16 rifles, an FN pistol and 250 bullets, 132 rounds for an AK-47 rifle and documents. -- Antara