ABC AUSTRALIA, 21/10/2003 02:18:31
Aceh conflict enters sixth month
Indonesian troops have killed a suspected Aceh rebel during a firefight as a major
offensive against guerrillas in the province enters its sixth month
The military says 23-year-old Ramli, the deputy Free Aceh Movement (GAM)
commander for Aceh's Naga region, died during an exchange of gunfire in interior
Nagan Raya district.
Troops seized a pistol and rifle ammunition from the victim.
On May 19, the government placed Aceh under martial law and launched a huge
offensive to crush GAM, which has been fighting for independence since 1976.
Martial law is supposed to last six months but the military has suggested the
operation should be extended.
The military says more than 900 GAM rebels have been killed since the start of its
campaign, along with 66 members of the security forces.
More than 1,800 rebels have reportedly been arrested or have surrendered.
21/10/2003 02:18:31 | ABC Radio Australia News
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