ABC AUSTRALIA, 17/12/2003 18:46:57
Indonesian authorities checking if arrested man is Aceh rebel
leader
Indonesian troops and police are checking whether a man arrested at the weekend is
a top separatist rebel commander in Aceh province.
A spokesman says the military is checking reports that a suspected rebel by the
name of Abu Razak was arrested in Riau province.
Abu Razak is the deputy of Muzakkir Manaf, the military leader of the Free Aceh
Movement (GAM).
The military on May 19 declared martial law and launched an all-out offensive to crush
the GAM, which has been fighting for independence since 1976.
The military claims more than 2,000 suspected rebels have been arrested or
surrendered and more than 1,100 others have been shot dead since the offensive
began.
17/12/2003 18:46:57 | ABC Radio Australia News
© 2001 Australian Broadcasting Corporation |
