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The Sydney Morning Herald


The Sydney Morning Herald, November 10, 2005

Bali bomber killed in shootout, police believe

By Mark Forbes Herald Correspondent in Jakarta

[PHOTO: Azahari Husin … ringleader of the 2002 bombings.]

Indonesian police have reportedly killed the ringleader of the 2002 Bali bombings, Azahari Husin, in a shootout in the Central Java town of Batu.

A member of anti-terrorist squad Detachment 88 confirmed two terrorist suspects had been killed in a raid yesterday afternoon. "One has the physical characteristics of Azahari, now we are identifying him," he said.

There were conflicting reports last night about whether Azahari had been killed by gunfire or blown himself up as police approached.

One police officer is believed to have been wounded in the clash. Official police spokesman would not comment.

Police are believed to have had the villa in Batu under surveillance for several days. They reportedly raided the villa after two explosions were heard. Neighbours reported an extensive exchange of gunfire between police and those inside.

Up to 10 people are believed to have been inside the villa. Azahari, along with another Jemaah Islamiah leader, Noordin Top, masterminded the 2002 Bali bombing that killed 202 people. They were also behind last year's bombing of Australia's Jakarta embassy and are believed to have planned the October 1 Bali suicide bombings.

The pair are the most wanted terrorist suspects in South-East Asia and have avoided an Indonesian manhunt for three years. The search for the pair, believed to be hiding separately, was intensified after last month's attacks on Bali cafes.

The Batu villa, near the town Malang, was sealed off by police last night. One man who lives nearby said those inside had exchanged shots with police for about 10 minutes.

Media reports suggested the villa could be the hide-out of senior Jemaah Islamiah figures Noordin Top or Azahari. The pair have been on the run since masterminding the 2002 Bali bombings.

Investigators are convinced they are behind the latest bombings and Bali and have been conductive intensive sweeps across Java to arrest them.

Until now police have been unable to identify any of the three suicide bombers or make any significant breakthroughs in the investigation.

Copyright © 2005. The Sydney Morning Herald.
 


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