Indonesian Troops Kill 18 in Aceh

Troops killed 18 suspected separatist rebels in Indonesia’s restive Aceh province, the army said Saturday, as violence continued despite the government’s claim that security had improved there.

The suspected guerrillas were killed Friday in clashes across the province, army spokesman Ari Mulya Asnawi said. Troops seized 11 rifles and pistols, as well as ammunition, he said.

Rebel spokesman Tjut Kafrawi said the dead were unarmed villagers who supported the struggle for independence.

It was impossible to verify either claim. The military limits journalists’ movements and bars them from most rebel areas.

Guerrillas have been fighting since 1976 for an independent Aceh, where many of the 4.3 million people live in poverty. At least 13,000 people have been killed in the conflict.