NewsMine — war-on-terror — asia — indonesia — may-03-incursion — Viewing Item

Schools torched indonesian fighting Original Source Link: (May no longer be active)    http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/stories/2003052202181400.htm http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/stories/2003052202181400.htm Scores of schools torched as fighting turns fierce BANDA ACEH (Indonesia) May 21. Fighting between rebels and Indonesian troops killed 13 people in Aceh province Wednesday, a separatist spokesman said, while helicopters fired rockets at rebel bases on islands off the provincial capital. The clashes were the bloodiest since the Indonesian President, Megawati Sukarnoputri, declared martial law and an all-out military offensive in Aceh after weekend peace talks in Tokyo broke down. Tengku Agam, a spokesman for the Free Aceh Movement, said the 13 people, including 10 civilians, were killed in an attack about 2 km east of the northern Acehnese town of Bireun. A military spokesman, Lt. Col. Firdaus Komarno, confirmed an operation was under way in the region, but he would not give details on casualties. ``The military are coming out in big numbers on land and on sea. Ten civilians along with two unarmed rebels and one Government soldier were killed,'' Lt. Col. Agam said. Unidentified men have torched more than 150 schools and both sides accused each other of carrying out the arson. On Wednesday, three helicopters fired rockets at suspected rebel bases on two islands close to the provincial capital, Banda Aceh. Marines also landed on the islands, but there was no immediate word on casualties. The resumption of hostilities has alarmed world leaders, who have urged Indonesia to restart talks with the rebels, though none have criticised Jakarta's hardline stance. In a joint statement, the British Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw, and visiting Australian Foreign Minister, Alexander Downer, said in London they regretted the breakdown of the peace accord. ``We urge both the Indonesian Government and the Free Aceh Movement to return quickly to the negotiating table,'' they said. AP

76 rebels killed denies civilians shot Five revels killed aceh { May 20 2003 } Indonesia air sea offensive rebels Indonesia forces begin aceh offensive { May 19 2003 } Indonesian troops ordered shoot on sight Militar chief orders shoot in head Schools torched indonesian fighting Troops accused massacre { May 22 2003 } Files Listed: 8

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