Ahmad Panjang was shot dead by personnel of the task force's Sogili team during the ambush without a prior gunfight at Dolago Village, Parigi Moutong District, Central Sulawesi Palu.
The security personnel heard a sound of friction among tree branches in the bushes during the raid, Supranoto, Operation Madago Raya Police's joint military and police task force spokesman, stated.
During the check, Ahmad Gazali was spotted and immediately shot, he added.
"Hence, as we saw him, we immediately took action to neutralize him," he affirmed.
The police believed that there was another wanted MIT member along with Ahmad Panjang at the location.
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"Yesterday, it was believed that they were not alone. Certainly, it was impossible for him to move alone. There was more than one person, but the other one was not seen," he noted.
When the incident took place, the MIT Poso members were most likely looking for or waiting for logistics supplies.
"Only one person was seen to pick up the logistics. Most likely he was out to pick up logistics. Thus, what other reason was he outside if there was no necessary," he pointed out.
Ahmad Gazali died after being shot by Operation Madago Raya task force's team on Tuesday, Jan 4, 2021. He was shot several times on his body, according to results of an autopsy conducted by the Central Sulawesi Police's Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) team on Tuesday evening.
The body was buried in Palu in the presence of Gazali's relatives on Wednesday.
The police stated that tens of pieces of evidence were seized from Gazali, including a machete, bomb, clothing, kitchenware, spice, medicines, a flashlight, and cash amounting to Rp202,000 (US$14).
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Translator: Rangga Musabar, Fardah
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2022
