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Military chief in Poso to observe quick reaction force exercise
Indonesian Military (TNI) commander Gen
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ndonesian Military (TNI) commander Gen. Moeldoko flew to Poso regency, Central Sulawesi, on Tuesday, to get a first-hand glimpse of a military exercise being conducted by the Quick Reaction Strike Force (PPRC).
During the visit, Moeldoko was accompanied by, among others, Army chief of staff Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo and Navy chief of staff Adm. Ade Supandi, according to Antara news agency.
Thousands of soldiers simulated the capture of terrorists wanting to seize control of Southeast Asian countries.
The soldiers surrounded and attacked the terrorists' bases in mountainous and coastal areas, believed to be the hideout of the Santoso- and Daeng Koro-led radical groups.
During the exercise, the TNI deployed warships and jet fighters such as F16s to attack the terrorists.
Moeldoko remarked that the PPRC exercise was being held to prepare for the emergence of radical groups in Indonesia.
"I suspect that members of radical groups feel at ease in Poso. I am worried that Indonesians returning from Iraq and Syria will make Poso their headquarters," he said as quoted by Antara..
Earlier, Moeldoko revealed that the TNI did not plan on carrying out military operations in Poso to arrest terrorists suspected of hiding out in the region.
He informed reporters that the joint TNI forces would only conduct combat training in the forest and sea territories of Poso. (hhr)(+++)
