Wednesday, June 12 @ 14:35:01 MYT


BANDA ACEH, Indonesia, June 12 (AFP) - Two suspected separatist rebels and a soldier have been killed in Indonesia's Aceh province, the military said Wednesday.

Troops shot dead two suspected members of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) in a clash at Panga in West Aceh district on Tuesday, said Aceh military spokesman Major Zaenal Muttaqin.

Two soldiers were wounded during the exchange of fire that lasted about one hour, he added.

A soldier was shot dead during a clash with rebels at Lhoong in Aceh Besar district on Tuesday, said another military spokesman in Aceh, Major Ertoto.

The local GAM commander, Abu Arafah, said his men shot dead two soldiers during the 30-minute clash.

GAM has been fighting for a free Islamic state in the province on Sumatra island since 1976.

More than 10,000 people, mostly civilians, have died in the conflict, including more than 500 this year alone.