09 February 2004	Monday	17 Zilhaj 1424

BANDA ACEH, Feb 8: Indonesian troops have killed 18 separatist rebels in Aceh province, the military said on Sunday. The 18 Free Aceh Movement (GAM) rebels were killed in separate gunfights on Saturday, Lt Col Asep Sapari told reporters.

Eight of them were gunned down when troops raided their hideout at Indrapuri in Aceh Besar district, the military spokesman said. Troops also seized 10 firearms, four home-made guns and thousands of rounds of ammunition in separate clashes, he said. Five GAM rebels were also arrested on Saturday. -AFP