Abu Sayyaf kidnaps seven Indonesian sailors
The attack took place on June 20 last year in the waters of Sulu (Philippines), a stronghold of the jihadists. The "Charles 001" ship was attacked by two militia groups. Indonesian Foreign Minister: "intolerable gesture, we will do everything to free our fellow countrymen."
Jakarta (AsiaNews) - The Indonesian government "strongly objects to this intolerable action and in this incident, the third over a short space of time. We will do everything to free our compatriots held hostage", says Indonesian Foreign Minister, after confirming that June 20, the Philippine terrorist group Abu Sayyaf kidnapped seven Indonesian sailors.
The attack took place in the waters of the Philippine province of Sulu, the jihadists stronghold. The "Charles 001" ship was attacked by two militia groups. The first has taken three sailors, the second four crew members, leaving the other six free.
Senior officials of the Indonesian security are holding a closed door meeting behind to decide the strategy to free the prisoners. According to local sources, there is no definite information on the place where the sailors are being held.
Abu Sayyaf is the smallest group in number but the most dangerous and bloodthirsty among Muslim movements fighting for independence in the southern Philippines, the only Asian nation with a large Christian Catholic majority. The terrorists' activities are concentrated in Basilan and Jolo.
The jihadists are responsible for the beheading of the Canadian John Ridsdel, which took place on 26 April. According to some sources, the group could be the same group that released the former PIME missionary Rolando Del Torchio.
On May 2, the authorities in Jakarta, with the cooperation of Manila managed to secure the release of 10 Indonesian sailors held hostage. It is still unclear whether the ransom was paid. On June 8 last even four Malaysian sailors were released.
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01/04/2009
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