Three GAM members killed in siege

BANDA ACEH, Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam: Four members of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) separatist group took hostage the family of First. Insp. Muchtar, the chief of Seunedon police subprecinct, at his house in North Aceh regency. The hostage-taking lasted from Friday afternoon to Saturday morning at the house, located in Panton Labu district, some 20 kilometers east of Lhokseumawe, the capital of North Aceh regency.

A joint military and police team descended on the house to free Muchtar's family, totaling seven members, after they had received a report on the matter. During the incident, Muchtar was not at home.

After arriving at the vicinity of the house, the security personnel quickly detailed a plan to free the hostages and subsequently carried it out, resulting in the death of three GAM members.

The operation, however, cost the life of First Pvt. Sudarmaji, a soldier who took part in the operation. Another GAM member was arrested and was taken to Lhokseumawe to be prosecuted.

Aceh has been under martial law since May last year. -- JP