BANDA ACEH, 19 July 2003 - Indonesian troops waging war on separatist rebels in Aceh province have shot dead at least 15 guerrillas in one of the bloodiest days of their two-month offensive, the military said on Thursday. Government spokesperson Ahmad Yani Basuki said three members of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) were killed in raids and 12 more in six firefights on Wednesday, but no soldiers were hurt.
Basuki said five of the rebels were killed in one clash at Jeumpa in Bireuen district. He said an unidentified body was also found and rebels shot dead a civilian in Aceh Besar, for a total death toll on Wednesday of 17. According to military figures issued on Wednesday, 457 rebels have been killed and 203 firearms seized since the start of the offensive on May 19. It was not clear whether the figure included the latest death toll.
The military says 366 rebels have been captured and another 340 have surrendered, for the loss of 43 military and police officers. GAM said many of those killed by the military were civilians. Independent confirmation of reports by either side is difficult after restrictions were imposed on the movement of reporters and non-government organisations in Aceh.
GAM has been fighting for independence since 1976. An estimated 10 000 people, mostly civilians, have been killed since then in the province on Sumatra Island.
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