13 Terrorists Bodies Found In Kampung Tanduo

LAHAD DATU, March 6 (Bernama) -- The bodies of 13 armed terrorists were found in Kampung Tanduo during a 'sweeping and mopping' operation Wednesday following the offensive launched by Malaysian security forces on the stronghold of the intruders in the village.

One of the bodies was that of the terrorist who was shot dead in an exchange of fire with the security forces at 6.45am today, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein at 4pm, Ahmad Zahid said nine of the bodies were found in an open grave covered with pieces of planks.

Several photographs of the 'Op Daulat' taken by the security forces were distributed to the media, including photographs of the terrorists' bodies in a grave.

Also distributed was the photograph of a forensic personnel who was attacked by the intruders while inspecting a grave in the village and firearms seized by the security forces.

At the same time, Ahmad Zahid criticised the attitude of the social media that belittled the action of the security forces' front line by describing it as a drama.

"These photographs show that our security forces have the efficiency to carry out the operation. This is not a drama," he said.

Meanwhile, Hishammuddin said there were two clashes around the village as members of the military forces and police carried out sweeping and mopping operations.

"At 6.45 this morning, our troops had clashed with the intruders and our security forces shot dead a member of the intruding group.

"At 1.45pm, our forensic team was attacked by the group of intruders while investigating the graveyard where the bodies of the intruders were buried in the village," he said, confirming that no member of the security forces had been injured.

He said the joint operation by the police and military had also found various firearms belonging to the foreign terrorists.