Two policemen killed in restive Aceh

BANDA ACEH: Two personnel of the Police Mobile Brigade were killed in a firefight with rebels in Seunuddon, North Aceh, some 300 kilometers east of Banda Aceh on Saturday, according to reliable sources.

The bodies of the two policemen who have yet to be identified were taken to the Military Hospital in Lhokseumawe, hours after the firefight.

Eyewitnesses who asked for anonymity said the firefight occurred when several rebels fired at the two victims when they were riding a motorcycle through a traditional market in Seunuddon at 12:30 p.m.

According to them, one died instantly and the other one died several hours after the firefight.

Taufik Sugiono, spokesman for the Aceh Provincial Police, confirmed that the two were killed when they are passing through the traditional market.

He said the police would intensify patrols and sweeping in the area. --JP