Jakarta, Nov. 17, (dpa/DPA) – Indonesia’s anti-terrorism police shot dead two suspected Islamist militants during a gunfight on Tuesday in central Sulawesi province, a spokesman said.
The suspected members of the Eastern Indonesian Mujahideen (MIT) opened fire at officers who tried to arrest them in Parigi Moutong district, said local police spokesman, Didik Supranoto.
“The suspects, who were on the police wanted list, fought and were killed during the raid,” Didik said.
Authorities say MIT’s membership has been reduced to about a dozen people, including its leader Ali Kalora, following recent killings of its followers.
Central Sulawesi has been the scene of a joint military-police operation to capture MIT militants for more than five years.
Police said MIT leaders had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State militant group.
GNA