KUALA LUMPUR, March 6 – For almost 20 minutes, F18 and Hawk fighter jets bombed Kampung Tanduo, Sabah, after a futile effort to settle an issue of intrusion by Sulu terrorists without bloodshed. Almost four hours later, Inspector-general of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar(Pic) announced that Ops Daulat involving air and land attacks had met its objective.
Nevertheless, until late this evening, he did not announce the number of enemies killed, injured or apprehended. The spontaneous reaction of Malaysians of various strata of society supported Malaysia’s action in protecting the nation’s sovereignty.
In fact, there were those who pressed the Philippine government to surrender Jamalul Kiram III who claimed to be the Sultan of Sulu for trial in this country for allegedly directing the armed intrusion in Sabah which killed eight Malaysian policemen.
The Malaysian Muslim Lawyers Association (PPMM) president, Datuk Zainul Rijal Abu Bakar, for example, said the call was apt because although Jamalul Kiram did not join the intrusion in Lahad Datu and was in the Philippines, he could be regarded as being in cahoots based on the support he gave through several statements.
Ops Daulat, which was launched by the police and military, started as early as 7am, was now continued with operations on land to hunt and capture the remaining members of the intruding group. The attack using F18 and Hawk fighter jets, was followed by mortar attacks and land assaults.
Three loud explosions followed by several small ones were heard in the area about half-an-hour after the sounds of jet engines were heard in the air space in the area. The attacks of the security forces, which were focused in a four-kilometre
square area, was regarded by the Inspector-general of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar as successful in achieving the stipulated objective.
Ismail said, since the attack started, the policemen and soldiers were rained with bullets from the intruders.
“Nevertheless, there are no deaths or injuries among our security forces,” he said.
The armed group from Sulu who were dressed in army fatigue landed on the Lahad Datu Beaches from boats on Feb 12.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, in his statement this morning, said the government must take appropriate action to protect the dignity and sovereignty of the nation, as demanded by the people, after its effort to avoid bloodshed failed.
Ismail, at a press conference at 4pm said, Ops Daulat was still ongoing because police believed there were still remnants of the intruders in the village. Follow up action and house-to-house search was carried out carefully to ensure the safety of the policemen and soldiers. The Armed Forces chief himself said, other than the high spirit demonstrated by the soldiers, the close cooperation between the police and army in the mopping up at Kampung Tanduo through the National Blue Ocean Strategy was highly commendable.
Meanwhile, police advised the public not to listen to rumour or speculate on the operation, specifically on the number of deaths and injured. Ismail said, the attack by the security forces was necessary in defending the nation and ensured peace and stability in Sabah were not jeopardised.
BERNAMA
