Jakarta, (antarasulteng.com) - The two men shot dead in Poso were most likely Santoso and Basri, the fugitives involved in cases of terrorism, according to New Police Chief General Tito Karnavian.
Several witnesses and physical characteristics confirm that one of the radicals killed in the gunfight was Santoso, Karnavian stated at the presidential palace, here, Tuesday.
The bodies would be flown in from Poso to Palu for a physical identification with the assistance of relatives and the suspects detained during the operation, among others, he added.
The other body was believed to be Basri as it had several tattoos.
According to Karnavian, one of the bodies has been identified as Santoso, with 80-90 percent certainty, while it is believed with 70 percent certainty that the other cadaver with tattoos is Basri.
"Probably two to three hours from now, (after they are) cleaned in the Bhayangkara (Police) Hospital, we will receive more accurate information," he affirmed.
The Tinombala military operation's task force was involved in a shootout with armed group members in Poso on Monday afternoon. Two suspects were killed, while a man and two women escaped.
Karnavian believes that the terrorist group has weakened, particularly if Santoso and Basri have been killed.
"Ali Kalora does have the capability, competence, and leadership skills at par with Basri and Santoso," the general remarked.
As the force managed to seize an M16 from the group, the police chief has estimated that the group now only has three to four homemade guns and a factory-made gun.
Karnavian lauded the members of the joint operation involving personnel from the police, military, intelligence, and the National Counter-Terrorism Agency.
In the meantime, President Joko Widodo had received a report on the gunfight that broke out in Poso, Central Sulawesi, in which Santoso was killed.
"The president has already received a report on it," presidential spokesman Johan Budi remarked here on Monday when his confirmation was sought regarding the issue.
