An Indonesian police official says about half of the military and police forces in Aceh are unaccounted for since the earthquake and tsunami that battered the region a week and a half ago.
Police Brigadeer General Sumadi, who heads the humanitarian operation unit in Aceh, told VOA Wednesday he does not know yet whether the missing forces were killed in the disaster or are with their families in the many refugee camps. He rejected media reports accusing the military of attacking rebel fighters since the quake. He said police and military facilities in Aceh have been devastated and such attacks would be impossible.
Since the quake and tsunami December 26th, the rebels and the military have traded accusations that the other side is responsible for continued violence.