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)