Indonesian troops fire artillery at suspected Aceh rebel base
Indonesian troops fired artillery on a suspected separatist rebel base in Aceh after moving hundreds of villagers from their homes.
Residents said they heard 38 rounds fired throughout the morning towards a hilly area in Juli sub-district just south of Bireuen town.
Television footage also showed pictures of artillery being fired.
There were no reports of any casualty.
Earlier, about 1,000 residents of Juli were evacuated from their homes by military, police and private vehicles.
The armed forces on May 19 launched a major operation aimed at wiping out separatist rebels of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM).
US extends travel warning for IndonesiaFriday, June 13, 2003 (Washington DC):
The US State Department warned American citizens against travelling to Indonesia because of the outbreak of hostilities in Aceh, where the Indonesian military is battling separatists belonging to the Free Aceh Movement.
The Indonesian government has warned all foreigners to leave Aceh and has said the conflict could result in terrorist attacks throughout the country, especially in cities.
"American citizens are strongly urged to avoid travelling to Aceh and those already present should leave immediately," the State Department said yesterday.
Soft targets are particularly vulnerable, including "hotels, clubs, restaurants, shopping centres, housing compounds, transportation systems, places of worship, schools or outdoor recreation events," the department said.
The statement supersedes the one issued April 25, which also warned Americans against nonessential travel to Indonesia. The department allowed the return of staff and family members to the US Embassy in Jakarta and the US Consulate General in Surabaya at that time. (AP)