TNI forms special force to secure release of hostages

From Antara News (Aug 12): TNI forms special force to secure release of hostages

Indonesian Military Forces have formed a special squad comprising Army, Navy and Air force personnel, which is currently on a full alert.

The squad is standing by in case they are commanded to assist the Filipino government in the efforts to secure the release of Indonesian nationals being held captive by the Abu Sayyaf group.

"The Commander has prepared the personnel, and they will be ready to act whenever they are needed," said the Head of the Armys Public Relations, Tatang Sulaiman, in Jakarta on Friday.

The personnel will only be deployed once there is a mutual agreement and coordination between Indonesia and the Philippines.

In the meantime, Filipino military forces, assisted by Moro National Release Front, are carrying out efforts to free the hostages.

It was reported that the last battle between Abu Sayyaf and the National Front in Sulu, Philippines, left four members of Abu Sayyaf group dead, including a senior leader of the armed militant group.

"The Filipino military personnel are now carrying out a massive exercise at the scene and it is reported that they have immobilized a few Abu Sayyaf members. We are making sure to remain in constant contact with them," said Sulaiman.

When the Philippines require the Indonesian forces assistance, the special squad will immediately come to their aid, but up until now, there have not been any requests from the other side.

"We have not heard anything up until now, but our officers are ready in case they are needed," he continued.

The National Army has special squads designated to handle special cases, including those involving terrorism.

Both the Navy and the Air force also have special detachments formed to deal with extraordinary cases.

The Head of the Army, General Mulyono, said his personnel are ready to secure the freedom of kidnapped Indonesians.

"Whenever we receive a command, my personnel and I will be ready to depart and invade the captors," Mulyono said in Jakarta on Wednesday.

The General said the armys special force groups are ready at all times and were awaiting the directive from their superior.

"As far as the way to secure their release was concerned, it is not my place to give statements about it. My task is to prepare the personnel," he said.

He further explained that he has assembled two battalions in preparation for the release efforts, and each battalion comprises 700 to 1,000 soldiers.

"They are trained and ready to depart anytime they are needed," he concluded.

http://www.antaranews.com/en/news/106219/tni-forms-special-force-to-secure-release-of-hostages