TNI suspects snipers behind Ambon killings

AMBON, Maluku (JP): A military officer said on Monday he suspected trained snipers were behind the fatalities in the latest communal clashes in Batumerah subdistrict here.

Thirteen people, including an Army soldier, have been shot dead, while 46 others have been injured since this latest round of violence in Ambon broke out on Sunday.

The head of the Indonesian Military (TNI) task force sent to the province to cope with the months of conflict there, Maj. Gen. Suaidy Marasabessy, said he suspected "trained shooters" might have taken part in the two days of violence after discovering all of the casualties were shot in the head.

"All the victims died of gunshots to their heads. Only trained shooters could do that," Suaidy, who is also chief of the Wirabuana Military Command overseeing Sulawesi, said on Monday.

However, he did not say where he thought the trained shooters came from or why they were in Ambon, but he urged the authorities to hunt down and capture the alleged snipers.

A number of witnesses who requested anonymity said they saw people dressed in military camouflage shoot the victims.

Some of the victims were taken to Dr. Haulussy Hospital. They were identified as Jupri Uneputty, 6; Agus Haumahu, 27; Boma Hattu, 50; Semy Sopacua, 65; Ongen Rumra, 20; Marcus Paliama; Noce Te; and second Lt. Ricky Ulalabalu.

Antara reported the bodies of two of the victims were taken to Al Fattah Hospital. They were identified as Adi Cakra, 17, and Mrs. Eda, 43.

The violence was sparked on Sunday afternoon by the shooting of two people in Batumerah subdistrict. The unrest spilled over to four neighboring subdistricts.

Gunshots and the explosions of homemade bombs were heard throughout the day.

Dozens of houses and two churches were burned by groups of people during Monday's clashes. Government and private offices were closed and a number of telephone lines across the city were down.

Antara reported four militia members led the burning of the houses. Dozens of people attempted to extinguish the fires, but were forced to flee when they were fired on by soldiers.

A semblance of calm returned to the area on Monday evening, with gunshots no longer piercing the quiet.

More than 550 people have been killed in religious-related clashes in Maluku since mid-January. (48/04)