We Fight On, Say Aceh Rebels

Separatists in the Indonesian province of Aceh yesterday dismissed military claims that Jakarta had taken control of the whole province and vowed to continue fighting until they get their freedom.

A spokesman in north Aceh, who uses the name Tengku Jamaica, described as a "joke" a statement by Indonesia's military commander, General Endriartono Sutarto, on Wednesday that government troops now controlled 100% of the province, even though the Free Aceh Movement (Gam) had not yet been defeated.

"The military may control the cities, but the countryside is ours," the rebel spokesman said. "Our numbers have not decreased. Our position is strong."

In a somewhat contradictory announcement, Gen Endriartono also accepted that fighting would continue for several months.

Before Jakarta launched its latest campaign against Gam on May 19, the separatists' strength was estimated at about 5,000 fighters. The military claims about 600 rebels have been killed or captured or have surrendered.

However, Gam and human rights organisations say many of the fatalities classified as Gam are civilian.

It is impossible to verify either side's claims because foreign journalists have in effect been banned from the province.