The Jakarta Post, 5/25/2002 12:45:53 PM
Fresh speedboat shooting kills three in Maluku
AMBON, Maluku (JP): Disputed Maluku was rocked by fresh violence on Saturday
when a group of armed men on a speedboat sprayed bullets at another vessel en
route to Paso Port in Ambon water of Teluk Ambon Baguala district, killing three
passengers and injuring nine others.
At least one people was declared missing after the incident, Maluku Civil Emergency
spokesman Maj. Heri Suhardi said.
The missing one was probably fell into the water during the shooting, the officer said.
The incident took place around 7 a.m. local time Saturday when a packed speedboat
from Kamariang village in Seram island of Central Maluku regency was intercepted by
another speeding speedboat at Tanjung Desa Pelauw water on the way to Paso Port.
The attackers were reportedly using automatic rifles and military-style outfits as well
as masks, surviving witnesses said.
"After spraying bullets, the assailants fled the scene.. The victims' speedboat,
however, managed to continue their journey to Paso Port and locals quickly
evacuated the casualties," Heri said.
Several victims were rushed to Halong Naval Hospital, some eight kilometers away
from Paso.
The officer, however, said that there was a strong indication that certain groups tried
to corner the military by using military-style attributes and also attempted to stir
sentiments between Indonesian Military (TNI) and Police.
"One of the injured passengers happened to be a member of Police Mobile Brigade
(Brimob). This incident is likely engineered.. because it's just impossible and stupid
for the military to conduct such brutal and flagrant shooting, we are here striving to
stop the conflicts and gaining people's trust," the officer said. (49/edt)
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