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Indonesia extends military operation against IS-linked group in C. Sulawesi

Xinhua, March 31, 2017 Adjust font size:

Indonesian security authorities have decided to extend military operation in Poso of Central Sulawesi province to hunt for a group which has linkages with the Islamic State (IS) terrorist organization.

Police Chief of Central Sulawesi Province Brigadier General Rudy S said Friday that the operation, which should end on April 3, has been prolonged for another three months.

The number of militants in the group has decreased to nine from about 36 since the operation was launched in January of last year, the general said.

"Nine members of Santoso's group are hiding in a deep forest," he said.

The militants are grouped in the Mujahidin Indonesia Timur, which has a linkage with the IS terrorist group.

Their leader, the most wanted terrorist, Santoso, was slain last year as the security authorities conducted the operation.

Over 2,000 policemen and soldiers are involved in the military operation, according the officer.

The IS group has launched several suicide-bombing strikes in Indonesia, including the suicide attack in the country's capital on January 24 of last year leaving eight people dead and nearly 30 others injured. Endit