A spokesman of the Indonesian Police Brig. Gen. Rusdi Hartono, in the company of the Indonesian Military (TNI) spokesman Maj. Gen Achmad Riad, stated here on Wednesday that the task force will involve more military personnel.
However, Hartono desisted from furnishing details of the number of additional personnel for the operation, planned to be extended in January 2021.
"We will continue this (operation) in 2021. The number of personnel will be increased, with the involvement of the TNI. Hopefully, it would settle the case fast," Hartono stated.
The operation will be re-evaluated to optimize efforts to pursue MIT members.
The police confirmed that the armed group MIT Poso still had 11 members left.
The challenging terrain in Poso Mountains, Sigi, and Parigi Moutong has become the main hindrance in catching the group's members.
Operation Tinombala will enter its fifth year after first being launched in 2016.
A leader of MIT Poso Santoso alias Abu Wardah and some of his members were killed in the operation, while some others surrendered.
The remaining members of the militant group, led by Ali Kalora, continued to launch terror acts in Central Sulawesi. The latest attack took place in Lemban Tongoa Village, Sigi District, in which four villagers were killed.
Related news: TNI to launch manhunt for perpetrators behind killing in Sigi
Related news: Operation Tinombala extended in Poso to catch 14 fugitives
Translator: Rangga M/Sulapto, Sri Haryati
Editor: Gusti Nur Cahya Aryani
Copyright © ANTARA 2020
