KYODO NEWS, 2001/12/21 updated 07:46
9 killed in attack on boat in Indonesia's troubled Ambon
JAKARTA, Dec. 19, Kyodo - Nine people were killed and two injured following an
attack Wednesday by an unidentified armed group on a boat ferrying mostly local
traders within Indonesia's troubled Ambon Island, the state-run news agency Antara
said Wednesday.
The armed group, believed to be hard-line Islamic militants, approached the ferry in a
high-speed boat and threw a homemade bomb at it, the report said.
The attackers then opened fire on the people riding on the ferry, whose names
indicate are Christians, it said, adding that the traders were heading from Galala to
Benteng subdistrict in the city of Ambon.
''The bombing stopped the motor. Then, we were surrounded and shot at,'' said Oya
Manuputi, 38, who was having her injuries treated at a navy hospital.
It was not known why the boat failed to ask for a military escort as required for the
safety of water transportation since both the Christians and Muslims have to pass
through rival areas when traveling.
Antara reported that water transportation in Ambon bay has been suspended following
the incident.
On Dec. 11, an explosion on a wooden ship sailing in Ambon bay killed 10 people and
injured 40 others.
Ambon is the capital of Indonesia's Maluku Province, where fighting between
Christians and Muslims, which began in January 1999, has killed thousands of people
from both sides and forced hundreds of thousands to flee to neighboring provinces.
2001 Kyodo News (c) Established 1945. All Rights Reserved
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