AMP - Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu announced on Thursday (14/07) that the Philippine military has reportedly killed 40 members of the Abu Sayyaf rebel group — accused of masterminding a series of kidnappings of Indonesian ship crews this year — in a recent attack.
“40 rebels were killed, 37 wounded and others arrested several days ago,” Ryamizard said at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta.
According to the minister, Indonesia has been keeping a close watch on the military operations in Southern Philippines. “We are observing the Philippine military's operation. They had coordinated the attack since last week, and deployed a massive personnel of 10,000 soldiers, cannons, helicopters and other weapons,” said the former Army Chief of Staff.
The retired general also said that the ten Indonesians still held hostage by Abu Sayyaf were still alive and well.
“They are in good condition," Ryamizard said.
Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia will meet again next week to work out a way to free the hostages and disarm the rebel group. Ryamizard said the Indonesian Military, or TNI, would most likely offer assistance.
“We will talk about land operations next week,” said Ryamizard.
Coal barges should stick to safe routes
Ryamizard said he will also meet businessmen and ship owners in South Kalimantan on Monday (18/07) to tell them to stick to the standard routes for their coal barges.
“The key is discipline. I will tell whoever owns coal barges to stick to the safe routes,” the minister said.
Ryamizard said sticking to the standard routes may help prevent more kidnappings, especially by Abu Sayyaf-affiliated armed rebels.“If the ships choose to go on other routes and the crew get kidnapped again, it's their own fault.”(beritasatu.com)
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