Jakarta (AsiaNews)- The latest analysis report prepared by the Jakarta-based International Crisis Group (ICG) released early this week, stated that a radical new Islamic militia had emerged in the country. The newly established group "Mujahedden Kompak" was formed by hard-liners who split from "Jemaah Islamiyah", considered to be Al-Qaeda's affiliate in Southeast Asia. The report-analysis, written by ICG's Chapter Director Sidney Jones, an American expert in Southeast Asian issues, describes the faction.
The Muslim militant group exists in the Central Sulawesi province, and is highly concentrated in the Poso region, where 'Kompak', an acronym roughly translated as "Action Committee for Crisis Response", is responsible for a series of attacks against Christians. Their members are highly trained in international militant camps in Mindanao and Afghanistan. 'Kompak' is involved in the Muslim/ Christian conflicts in the Moluccas and aggressively seek new recruits. They are ideologically prepared to launch large-scale deadly attacks. "It suggests a need to revise assessments about the nature and gravity of the terrorist threat in Indonesia," Ms. Jones wrote in the report. "While the shorter-term prospects are somewhat encouraging, there is an underappreciated longer security risk. This organization presents a possible new partner for al-Qaeda."
Today, Central Sulawesi Police confiscated at least 19 bombs and five hand-made guns in three areas in Poso. According to police officer Agil Assegaf, the hunt for illegal armistice occurred in the village of 'Toini', the 'Poso Pesisir' sub-district, and the 'West Tojo' sub-district. Earlier, joint security personnel from military troops and a police mobile brigade seized at least 27 bombs, 17 live bullets, and a hand-made machine gun last January 19th in the village of Kasiguncu, in the Poso Pesisir sub-district. (MH)