Villagers moved from Indonesian province

Indonesian soldiers have trucked thousands of villagers out of suspected rebel strongholds in Aceh province, officials said today.

About 13,000 people – including many women and children – were taken to a makeshift camp near Bireuen town after fleeing fighting in the area. Lt Col Firdaus Kormano insisted that no villagers were forced to move.

The camp is in northern Aceh, where most of fighting has occurred since the government launched a fresh campaign against the rebels on May 19.

The insurgents have been fighting for 27 years for independence for the oil and gas-rich province. About 12,000 people have been killed.