TNI suspects snipers behind Ambon killings

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)