Densus 88 arrests terror suspect in Palembang

Palembang, S Sumatra (ANTARA) - The National Police's counterterrorism squad, Densus 88, arrested a suspected terrorist in the Talang Kelapa housing complex in the South Sumatra provincial capital of Palembang on Monday night.

"It is true that a man (has been arrested). The South Sumatra Provincial Police only backed (the operation). Densus 88 has taken him to Jakarta (for interrogation)," Chief of the South Sumatra Provincial Police Inspector General Eko Hendri stated on Tuesday.

The 41-year-old terror suspect, identified by his initials as AD, was arrested after Densus 88 conducted a search of his house twice on Monday evening and night.

In the first search, only a few Densus 88 members came to the house that was also used for a cellular phone counter. They were supposed to visit the house for mobile phone-related matters, Abudrohaman, the suspected terrorist's neighbor, stated.

On Monday night, a larger number of Densus 88 officers searched the house and banned residents from coming near the scene. They later took the suspected terrorist out of the house.

Chief of the South Sumatra Provincial Police Inspector General Eko Hendri believes that AD is affiliated to the Jamaah Islamiyah (JI) network.

However, Hendri chose to not divulge details on whether he is linked to the JI network in the neighboring province of Lampung.

On Nov 08, Densus 88 arrested four suspected terrorists at three different locations in Lampung Province.

The four terror suspects, identified by their initials as SUL, DAV, BAK, and RG, are members of the JI network, according to a Densus 88 member, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

"One of the four suspects was arrested in Metro, one in Panjang, and two in Pringsewu," he stated.

During the raid, Densus 88 confiscated mobile phones, a laptop, air rifle, slingshot, and several books related to jihad as evidence.