Indonesia: Security forces kill militant in exchange of fire in Central Sulawesi province April 25

Event

A militant was killed in an exchange of fire with a joint police-military task force in Poso regency (Central Sulawesi province) on Saturday, April 25. The deceased militant was reported to be a member of Mujahidin Indonesia Timur (MIT), which is affiliated with the Islamic State (IS) group. The encounter took place in the village of Kilo, located in an area where a long-term operation is being conducted to track down MIT militants.

Further clashes between MIT militants and security forces are possible in Poso regency (Central Sulawesi province) over the near term.

Context

The Mujahidin Indonesia Timur (MIT) militant group carries out its operations on Sulawesi from its base in Poso regency (Central Sulawesi province). Its members have been blamed for multiple fatal attacks and kidnappings since 2012, although they have generally targeted security personnel. Operation Tinombala, a joint operation conducted by the Indonesian National Police and the Indonesian Armed Forces, was launched in January 2016, to prevent MIT from carrying out attacks in the region. The group's capacity to launch major attacks has been significantly weakened following the death of its leader Abu Wardah (Santoso) 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 are advised to monitor developments, remain vigilant for militant activity, and report any suspicious behavior or activity to local authorities.