Two suspected rebels killed

Two suspected rebels killed

BANDA ACEH, Aceh: Two suspected separatist rebels and a civilians were killed in the latest spurt of violence in Indonesia's Aceh province, the military said Tuesday.

The two rebels were shot dead during a clash with troops in Bireuen district on Monday, spokesman for the military operation in Aceh Lt. Col. Ahmad Yani Basuki said.

Armed clashes were also reported to have taken place in East Aceh district, on Monday but there were no casualties, Yani said.

Two gunmen suspected of belonging to the separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM) shot dead a civil servant at his home in Bireuen district on Monday, Yani said.

Four armed GAM guerrillas had abducted two other civilians in North Aceh on Monday, he said, adding the abductors have demanded a ransom of Rp 30 million rupiah (US$3,580).

Officials of the GAM could not be immediately reached for comment. -- AFP