Terrorist bomb kills again in Sulawesi
Jakarta (AsiaNews) A home-made device killed again in Poso as special police anti-terrorism units investigate potential terrorist attacks after bomb-making material (powder and detonator, broken glass, steel chains) are found on Saturday in Polewali Mandar, western Sulawesi.
Nella Salianggo, 20, was killed on Saturday by an explosive device inside an electric torch downtown Poso just a hundred metres from nearby army barracks. Her death brings to two the number of people killed in the last few days. Just last week another bomb killed a Christian in Pesisir Utara, Poso.
For weeks security in the area has been deteriorating according to locals following the removal of Brigadier General Oegroseno from the post police chief in central Sulawesi.
Atmajaya Marjum, an official with the Poso Kota Sub-Regency, said he was worried because the latest incident shows how easy it is for terrorists to mount attacks.
Hours earlier, the police after days of surveillance raided a residence in Madatte village near Polewali, Polewali Mandar Regency, a place thought to be a safe house and arrested five suspects, Sukria Gaos, chief police superintendent in Polman, said.
South Sulawesi Police Chief Inspector General Ariyanto Budihardjo confirmed the five were detained; they are now under investigation for subversive activities.
One of those investigated, identified by his initials Z.R. and owner of the apartment, was already under suspicion for crimes in sub-regencies in Aralle, Tabulahan and Mambi, also in western Sulawesi. For years these areas have been the scene of sectarian clashes.
General Budihardjo revealed that half of the explosive devices were ready for use.
In previous terrorist attacks by Islamic extremists like those at the Marriot Hotel and the Australian embassy, the police found metal and broken glass in plastic or steel tubes used as deadly projectiles to cause greater human casualties.
Local sources said that the discovery of this material is a sign that fresh terrorist operations are probably in preparation for Ramadan, which falls next month.
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