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Youth brawl in Southeast Maluku leaves two dead, police officers injured
Both groups were armed with air rifles, arrows and machetes. The clash resulted in two fatalities and 14 injuries, including nine officers from the Southeast Maluku Police.
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Illustration of beating. (Shutterstock/Gwoeii)
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t least two people were killed and more than a dozen others injured following a violent clash between two youth groups in Southeast Maluku early Sunday morning.
Southeast Maluku Police Spokesperson Sr. Comr. Areis Aminnulla reported that the brawl erupted between youths from Karang Tagepe Alley and those from Perumda Alley around 2 a.m. at Lendmark Park in Kei Kecil district.
"Both groups were armed with air rifles, arrows and machetes. The clash resulted in two fatalities and 14 injuries, including nine officers from the Southeast Maluku Police," he said on Tuesday.
Areis explained that officers had attempted to prevent the conflict hours before it broke out, but the groups attacked the officers with their weapons in retaliation.
One officer sustained serious injuries after being struck in the head with a machete.
Areis stated that authorities are investigating the cause of the violent clash and confirmed that investigators have identified individuals involved in attacking the officers.
"We will take strict action against anyone who participated in the violent brawl. We urge the family members of these individuals to turn them in to the Southeast Maluku Police," he said, adding that authorities have restored order and ensured safety in the area.
Southeast Maluku Legislative Council (DPRD) Speaker Stepanus Layanan called on residents to exercise restraint and prevent further escalation of violence.
"We hope the public will not be easily provoked. Please trust the police to handle the investigation," he said on Monday, as reported by Tribunnews.
Layanan also urged parents to actively supervise their children, as he learned the brawl may have been sparked by taunting between teenagers. (nal)
