TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Central Sulawesi Police continue to carry out the Tinombala operation in Poso District in a bid to pursue members of the armed civilian group led by the terrorist Santoso.

"For the Poso Operation, we will soon replace the troops to include a trained hunters' team," Central Sulawesi Regional Police Chief Brig. Gen. I Ketut Argawa said in Palu, Monday, April 16.

Argawa said they will reinforce the Tinombala operation's troops by adding officers from Brimob Kelapa Dua Jakarta. "We have our focus on and we hope that Poso's handling is more comprehensive and specific," he said.

The Tinombala operation is held to capture the Mujahidin terrorist network of East Indonesia (MIT), led by Santoso. Santoso was killed in a shootout on July 18, last year. Following his death, Santoso's men have descended the mountain.

Their strength is also expected to weaken. Some men have surrendered while others have either been arrested or killed.

The police estimate there are still seven Mujahidin terrorist members roaming freely in Poso. Argawa also urged them to surrender in the name of peace.

The Tinombala operation will be carried out for up to three months after it was extended on April 1, 2018. But Argawa hopes it wouldn’t take that long. He said the operation will be assisted by 100 TNI members.

ANTARA