Three killed in fresh Aceh violence

Three killed in fresh Aceh violence

INDONESIA: Security forces shot and killed two rebels, while guerillas gunned down a police officer at close range, in the latest violence in Indonesia's Aceh province, military and police said Saturday.

The rebels were killed in a raid on a separatist camp in south Aceh on Friday, said local military commander Lt. Col. Agus Permana. He gave no more details.

On Thursday, insurgents shot a police officer six times in the back while he ate at a market stall in Geureugok, North Aceh, said police spokesman Maj. Taufiq Sutiono.

Shortly afterward, police officers set fire to 28 houses and shops near the market in retribution for the killing, residents claimed.

Sutiono denied officers had run amok in the town. He blamed the violence on rebels trying to discredit the police.

Tjut Manyak, a local spokesman for the separatist Free Aceh Movement, denied any involvement in the arson. -- AP