BBC World News, Wednesday, 12 December, 2001, 13:02 GMT
Indonesia confirms al-Qaeda presence
By the BBC's Jonathan Head in Jakarta
Authorities in Indonesia have acknowledged for the first time the ties between local
Islamic groups and Osama Bin Laden's al-Qaeda network.
Confirmation that al-Qaeda members have been fighting on the island of Sulawesi
came in a statement from the head of the National Intelligence Agency, Lieutenant
General Hendropriyono,
More than 2,000 police and troop reinforcements were sent into the area last week
after renewed clashes between Muslims and Christians.
A militant Islamic organisation called Laskar Jihad, believed to have links with
al-Qaeda, has sent thousands of armed fighters to Sulawesi to support local Muslims.
The Indonesian statement is almost certainly a response to sustained diplomatic
pressure from Western governments to take action against groups with links to
al-Qaeda.
US frustrations
Washington has yet to list Indonesia as a state supporting terrorism but it is
frustrated by the unwillingness of the Indonesia security forces to rein in Islamic
militants.
In contrast, neighbouring Malaysia and the Philippines are regarded as giving full
co-operation in the campaign against terrorist networks.
The Laskar Jihad group cited by General Hendropriyono is headed by a veteran of the
anti-Soviet war in Afghanistan.
It is well organised and well funded with possible backing from factions of the armed
forces.
It has trained and sent thousands of fighters to wage Jihad or Holy War against
Christians in eastern Indonesia, last year in the Mulukun Islands and in recent weeks
in central Sulawesi.
Laskar Jihad members insist they are not linked to al-Qaeda and only wish to defend
Muslim communities inside Indonesia.
However, a number of foreign fighters have been seen campaigning with Laskar Jihad.
The international community is concerned that as the group expands its influence, it
may provide a haven for al-Qaeda after the loss of its bases in Afghanistan.
©2001 BBC
|
