Moluccan violence spreads north

The attack follows fighting in Ambon

At least 33 people have been killed and dozens wounded in new fighting between Muslims and Christians on Indonesia's Moluccan Islands.

The violence reportedly broke out after Muslim fighters descended on the northern island of Halmahera by speed boat.

Christian sources said the attackers were armed with semi-automatic weapons.

Reports said some of the victims were burned alive.

The violence affected Galela and Tobelo in the north of the island.

Jihad

A church official told the French news agency AFP that 26 villagers had been killed in a dawn attack on Mamuya village.

He said eyewitness reports indicated the attackers included members of the "Laksar Jihad" force, which has sent an estimated 2,000 men to the islands in recent weeks to fight a "holy war".

Violence erupted on the islands 17 months ago

The group, which claims a membership of some 10,000, is based in Java.

"The attackers came in speed boats and were armed with semi-automatic weapons ... some of the local Muslim residents had come from the nearby Soasio village," the church added.

"Eyewitnesses said some of [the victims] were burned alive, others were shot or hacked by sharp weapons."

Homes torched

A Christian cleric in Galela, Mr Biso, said at least 33 people had been killed in the violence.

Soldiers were ordered to shoot snipers in Ambon

He said the attackers were armed with military issue firearms and had launched a two pronged attack on Mamuya village from the sea and the mountains.

Reports said eight attackers were also killed and that identity cards found on two of the bodies showed they came from Sumatra Island at the other end of the archipelago.

About 150 homes were burned according to the state news agency Antara.

Ambon

The latest violence comes only days after at least 35 people were killed in religious clashes in the provincial capital Ambon, south of Halmahera.

Ambon residents had feared the current lull in violence was because jihad force members had moved elsewhere in the islands to avoid arrest or expulsion.

More than 3,000 people have died in the Moluccas since religious fighting erupted in January 1999.

There has also been violence in Indonesia's capital Jakarta, where hundreds of protesters have been attacking army vehicles and setting them on fire.