Indonesian troops shot and killed the military commander of the separatist Free Aceh Movement in a raid on his jungle base. Abdullah Syafei was shot in the head and chest during fierce fighting in the north of the Aceh region in northwestern Indonesia. The death of the charismatic Syafei would deal a serious blow to the pro-independence movement, which has been under severe military pressure since President Megawati Sukarnoputri ordered a crackdown shortly after assuming office in July. Syafei's wife was also killed along with five other rebels.
So one little corner of Indonesia can now quiet down. Time to do the same in Sulawesi. |