17 Apr 2020 | 02:17 AM UTC
Indonesia: Police kill two militants in Poso regency (Central Sulawesi province) April 15
Police officers kill two suspected militants after an attack on security forces on April 15 in Poso regency (Central Sulawesi province); further clashes possible in the near term
Event
Police officers in Poso regency (Central Sulawesi province) killed two militants suspected of being from the East Indonesia Mujahideen (MIT) group on Wednesday, April 15. The incident occurred after the militants allegedly shot and wounded an officer near a local bank in the regency earlier on Wednesday. Two bombs were also reportedly defused in the security operation.
Further militant attacks and clashes with militants are possible in the near term.
Context
Central Sulawesi is a hotbed of terrorism due to the presence of the militant group, Mujahidin Indonesia Timur (MIT), which is based in Poso Regency. Its members have been blamed for multiple fatal attacks and kidnappings since 2012, although they have generally targeted security personnel. The group's capacity to launch major attacks have been significantly weakened following the death of its leader in 2016. However, several leaders remain at-large and continue to pose a threat to the province's local security landscape.
Advice
Individuals in Central Sulawesi province, and Indonesia more generally, are advised to remain vigilant for militant activity and report any suspicious behavior or activity to the authorities.
