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