We received information that they will launch a terror act.Palu, C Sulawesi (ANTARA) - Two members of the East Indonesia Mujahideen (MIT) operating in Poso, Central Sulawesi, were shot dead in an exchange of fire with the military-police joint task force of Madago Raya.
A member of the military also died in the incident that took place in the Andole Mountains in Maros Village, Poso District, on Monday (March 1) at 4:30 p.m. local time.
Central Sulawesi Police Chief Insp. Gen Pol Abdul Rakhman Baso stated here on Tuesday that the exchange of fire took place after the task force received a tip-off on the terrorist group's plan to launch a terror act.
"We received information that they will launch a terror act," Baso remarked.
The two MIT members were on the police's wanted list (DPO).
They were identified as Samir, alias Alfin, from Banten Province, and a resident of Poso District, Irul, who is the son of former MIT Poso chief Santoso.
Samir was shot in the head, while Irul died after the bomb he was carrying blew up.
Baso revealed that of the two other MIT members that managed to escape, one was an MIT leader Ali Kalora.
"There were four of them, led by Ali Kalora. However, two people fled, and we are chasing them," he stated.
The police seized some pieces of evidence, including ammunition, backpack, matches, and GPS.
Meanwhile, a soldier Master Private Desi Irawa was killed in the incident.
Irawa's body was flown to Jakarta, while the bodies of the two MIT members were kept at Palu’s Bhayangkara Hospital. Related news: Joint task force extends Poso terror group manhunt
Related news: Operation Tinombala extended in Poso to catch 14 fugitives
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Translator: Rangga Musabar, Sri Haryati
Editor: Suharto
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