Two killed in fresh Poso conflict

POSO, Central Sulawesi: Two people were killed and at least six others wounded in fresh gun battles at two separate locations in Poso regency, Central Sulawesi, on Friday and Saturday.

Police were not available for comment on the fatal incidents.

On Saturday a group of people entered the regency and attacked the locals, eyewitnesses said on Sunday.

The gunfight between the two warring groups took place at noon but stopped after a platoon of police Mobile Brigade (Brimob) and Army personnel arrived.

The fatality was identified as Yazet, 40, a member of the attackers from outside the regency.

On Friday afternoon, one was killed and two others wounded in another gun battle in Jembatan Dua, an area bordering Kembomawo and Sayo villages in the Poso Kota district.

The victim has yet to be identified, but the two wounded persons were identified only as No and Wahid. They are now being treated at the Poso general hospital.

Apart from the gun battle, an unidentified group of people set six houses on fire in the village of Sayo. The arsonists managed to escape before security officials and locals saw them.

No one could say who the attackers and the arsonists were.

Poso has been restive for two years following clashes between Christians and Muslims. Hundreds have been killed in the clamor. -JP