POSO, 10 January 2006 - Rival police and military units clashed in Poso, Central Sulawesi, frightening residents in a region plagued by religious violence, witnesses and police said Tuesday. The firefight late Monday lasted for about one hour, but there were no injuries. Also in Poso, unidentified people set off a small explosive device - described by police as a "blank detonator" - in a street facing a Christian church, said Central Sulawesi Police Chief Brig. Gen. Oegresono.

The blast could be heard up to two kilometers (one mile) away, but caused no damage or injuries, he said. The clash between soldiers and police took place in downtown Poso close to police headquarters, witnesses said. Another police officer Rudi Sufariadi said the fight was "due to a misunderstanding" between the two forces and promised to punish officers involved. He declined to elaborate.

Fights between police and military are common across the country. They are often sparked by disputes over illegal business that critics say both forces are heavily involved in.

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