![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
||
![]() |
![]() |
You are in: World: Asia-Pacific | ||||
![]() |
![]() |
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.
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.
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.
|
![]() |
See also:
![]() Internet links:
![]() The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites Top Asia-Pacific stories now:
![]() ![]() Links to more Asia-Pacific stories are at the foot of the page.
![]() |
![]() |
Links to more Asia-Pacific stories
|
![]() |
![]() |
^^ Back to top News Front Page | World | UK | UK Politics | Business | Sci/Tech | Health | Education | Entertainment | Talking Point | In Depth | AudioVideo ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To BBC Sport>> | To BBC Weather>> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- © MMIII | News Sources | Privacy |