CBN News, May 10, 2002
Christians Attacked in Ambon
By Wendy Griffith, CWN Co-Anchor
Mortar attack shatters peace between Muslims and Christians in Indonesia's Maluku
Islands. The attack followed the arrest of the supreme commander of the Islamic
Laskar Jihad.
CBN.com - The peace agreement between Muslims and Christians in Indonesia's
Maluku Islands has been shattered once again. One eyewitness called it "a full scale
attack by Muslems" against Christians.
Riots and mortar attacks broke out Saturday May 4th in Ambon, Indonesia following
the arrest of the supreme commander of the Islamic Laskar Jihad.
It was the second attack on a Christian neighborhood in less than two weeks.
Australian pastor Jeff Hammond and his wife were caught in the middle of the attack.
"As we approached the hospital, a huge explosion took place about 30 meters behind
us. The mortar landed where we had past less than 10 seconds before. There were
many casualties," Hammond said.
"How long will it be before we truly wake up to the terror that is being perpetrated in
the name of Allah against the Christians in Maluku?" asked Hammond.
Two Christians were killed and at least eight injured in this latest attack.
Islamic extremists are receiving moral support from high government levels. In Jakarta,
Indonesia's Vice President spent 90 minutes visiting the jailed leader of the Laskar
Jihad.
Vice President Hamzah Haz also said he'd attend the Laskar Jihad's annual
conference in Jakarta this month and give the opening speech.
The Christian Broadcasting Network, Inc. © 2002
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