Islamist militants killed five police at a high-security Indonesian prison and were holding one hostage on Wednesday following clashes at the jail on the outskirts of Jakarta, police said.
A prisoner had also been killed at the jail in Depok, National police spokesman Muhammad Iqbal told reporters.
“Five of our colleagues died…. one of our colleagues is still inside and being held hostage,” Iqbal said, adding that the hostage was reported to be safe.
He said the prison, at the Mobile Police Brigade (Brimob) headquarters, held around 130 convicted terrorists, but it was unclear how many were involved in the clashes. The prisoners are suspected of having taken weapons from the police who were killed.
In a message carried on its Amaq news agency, Islamic State claimed responsibility and said that 10 counter-terrorism officers had been killed.
Iqbal denied that Islamic State was involved. He said a dispute had broken out late on Tuesday with prisoners who objected to authorities making checks on their food.
Police were negotiating with the prisoners, he said.
“If they surrender, it will be a non-violent process. But if there is a threat to officers or others, we will take very strong action,” Iqbal said.
Police maintained tight security around the jail on Wednesday and kept onlookers away.
Reuters
