Soldiers arrested for grenade blast

MEDAN, North Sumatra: Local military police have detained and are currently questioning two soldiers in connection with Monday's grenade blast at Meliala Hotel, Bukit Barisan Military Commander Maj. Gen. Affandi said on Tuesday.

"The two (soldiers) are involved in fierce personal problems and if found guilty they may well be fired," Affandi said after a ceremony at the military headquarters.

He did not say when the arrest was made, but asserted that the incident had nothing to do with recent bomb hoaxes and explosions in Medan.

A soldier threw two grenades at the hotel in the Medan capital of North Sumatra on Monday morning, damaging 12 rooms and a jeep.

Nobody was hurt in the attack, which police said was triggered after the officer, identified only as Second Sgt.IB, believed his wife was in the hotel with another man, also a member of the military member called First Sgt. SW.

Medan has seen numerous attacks in recent months, including bomb and grenade blasts at several churches. (39/edt)