Three officers killed in Ambon

AMBON, Maluku: Three intelligence officers from the Pattimura Military Command were mobbed to death by residents of the OSM area of Nusaniwe district here on Friday at about 9 a.m., an official said later in the day.

The three victims, identified as Second Sgt. Hariyanto, Second Sgt. Joko and Second Sgt. Tuahuns, were passing the area on their way to their office in Tapal Kuda, Air Salobar district, when they were attacked by a group of locals.

Witnesses said the mob did not check the identity of the three officers and continued beating them to death.

The bodies of Hariyanto and Tuahuns were barely recognizable after being burned by the mob, while the body of Joko was covered with severe cuts.

Tension gripped Ambon on Friday evening, with security forces blockading the streets and ordering residents to remain in their homes. (39/edt)