Indonesia's military chief said Thursday that his forces are bringing stability to rebellious Aceh province, having killed more than 3,000 rebels since the launch of a military offensive in May 2003. Speaking in Parliament, Gen. Endriartono Sutarto said a total of 3,216 rebels have been killed since May 2003, when Jakarta imposed martial law and launched an offensive against the guerillas. Sutarto said 2,577 rebels have surrendered to authorities and 2,031 have been captured, leaving a force of about 2,049 _ far less than rebel estimates of 4,000 fighters. "The TNI (military) is only responsible for supporting the process of restoring security in the restive province which in general, is getting more conducive," he told lawmakers."The province's religious, educational, cultural, social and economic conditions are gradually returning to normal."
