Santoso-Led Terrorist Group Already Cornered: Gen. Nurmantyo

Mataram (Antara Bali) - The East Indonesia Mujahidin (MIT), a radical group led by Santoso alias Abu Wardah, in Poso, Central Sulawesi, has now been cornered, TNI (military) commander, General Gatot Nurmantyo, said here.

He told newsmen during a visit to Central Lombok in the eastern province of West Nusa Tenggara, Saturday (2/4), that the countdown is now on for the groups collapse and it will not be able to survive for long.

"They have been cornered and besieged," the general said.

Regarding the Tinombala Operation being carried out by joint military and police force in the region, General Nurmantyo declined to give any further details, asking newsmen to rather "ask all questions to the police chief because the military only embeds its personnel in the operation."

Asked about the earlier claim that said operation would last for 60 days starting January 10, 2016, he explained that the TNI gave its full support. "We help as much as we can, with anything required, including forces," he said.

According to the latest information, the group has been besieged in the middle of the jungle in the Poso mountainous region.

TNI forces joining the operation have blocked the areas around the place where the groups is known to be hiding.

The group is now believed to have less than 30 men following recent clashes with the TNI/Police forces that left 10 people dead. Three were arrested. (WDY)