10 Alleged Terrorists Involved in Gun Fight in Poso

Jakarta (Antara) - Some 10 alleged terrorists are believed to have been involved in a gun fight with police in Poso, Central Sulawesi, on Thursday, according to police. National Police Headquarters' head of public information Brigadier General Boy Rafli Amar said here on Friday that the gunfire broke out when several Mobile Brigade (Brimob) members were conducting a patrol at the foot of Gunung (mountain) Biru. Boy said, based upon available evidence, a terrorist group led by Santoso was conducting training at Gunung Biru. "We detected them several years ago, but they always changed their locations. We were on patrol when they attacked us," he said. He noted that police confiscated a rifle, bomb casing, 13 5.56 mm bullets, which are usually for M-16 rifles, three iron casts for manufacturing guns, tape and other tools to manufacture weapons, following the shootout, which lasted two to three hours. "It is strongly believed they are building power, including the capability to conduct terror and assemble bombs. We know those found assembling bombs have also conducted training here at Gunung Biru. This is their area," he said. National Police chief General Sutarman has called for alertness, since terror cells remain active. "They are still alive and will aim at certain targets, including our members, although what happened yesterday was not their target because the area has become our patrol zone," he said. He said he asked the military (TNI) chief to conduct military exercises in the area, in a bid to discover the locations where they have kept their weapons and explosive materials. "Cooperation can be carried out with the regional Tanjungpura military command," he said. Regarding patrols, Sutarman said those involved must be equipped with body protection so no additional police would be harmed. "We will evaluate it. Every member who takes part in a vulnerable area must wear body protection, including in Papua, so that no one would be harmed," he said. One police member, first agent Putu Satria, was killed during the shootout, while two members of the group also died. Police are still searching for those involved in the incident. (*)