Indonesian military troops have killed at least 208 separatist rebels in Aceh since the tsunami disaster four weeks ago, officials said. Army Chief Gen. Ryamizard Ryacudu said the separatist rebels were killed in 86 gunfights across Aceh since the Dec. 26 earthquake-tsunami paralyzed the province. The Free Aceh Movement, known as GAM, has been fighting for an independent state since 1976. More than 12,000 people, mostly civilians, have been killed in the conflict. However, Ryacudu's claim has been difficult to verify and relief workers say they have not collected any bodies of suspected rebels since the devastating tsunami that killed almost 174,000 people in Indonesia alone. Indonesia plans to send more than 40,000 troops to the restive province to deal with security matters as well as humanitarian relief. © Copyright 2005 by United Press International

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