Two killed in Ambon clash

Two killed in Ambon clash

AMBON, Maluku: A fresh clash in Ambon, in which at least two
people died, forced Pattimura Airport to suspend operations
temporarily.

Airport commander Lt. Col. Iskandar said that 260 Air Force
personnel were on alert to protect the airport from possible
attack. He said he had closed the airport until Thursday when he
expected everything would be under control.

Wednesday's clash occurred between residents of Laha
subdistrict, which is close to the airport. Thirty-five people
were also severely injured in the fighting, which erupted at
dawn.

Capt. Martin Johannes of the Maluku Police confirmed the fatal
clash and said that five houses were also burned down in the
incident.

He did not identify the victims, and reporters found it
difficult to collect information on the victims, who were
reportedly Christians.

The ethnic and religious conflict in Ambon has ravaged for
months and has claimed more than 500 lives. (37/48)