09 March 2013| last updated at 08:51AM
LAHAD DATU: New wave of airstrikes on red zone areas
HEAVY SHELLING: Fighter jets strike targets in Sungai Merah and Sungai Nyamuk
KAMPUNG Tanduo and adjacent red zone areas in the Felda Sahabat area were hit with a second wave of airstrikes yesterday afternoon as security forces intensified their operations against the Sulu terrorists.
Fighter jets screamed into the area about 2pm hitting targets in Sungai Merah and Sungai Nyamuk. This was followed by heavy shelling several hours later. Earlier yesterday, explosions were also heard between 1.30am and 2.30am. However, no casualties were reported on either side.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar said in the last 24 hours, however, there had been no contact with the terrorists who were believed to be scattered across Kampung Tanduo and Tanjung Batu.
"There are no indications that they are willing to lay down their weapons and surrender," said Ismail.
He was referring to the ultimatum given by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak on Thursday, where he had said that the security forces would stop the offensive only when the terrorists lay down their weapons and surrender unconditionally.
Ismail also said that apart from the offensive in Felda Sahabat area, security forces had also arrested 79 sympathisers and supporters of the terrorists group all over Sabah.
He said information from the public led to the arrests.
The suspects are being investigated under the Security Offences Special Measures Act 2012 to be read with Section 130 (c) of the Penal Code, for allegedly having possible links with the terrorists.
The IGP also urged the public not to spread rumours through text messages and the social media which could create anxiety among Sabahans. Among the rumours was that more armed men from the southern Philippines are making their way to the coastal districts on the east coast of the state.
"We urge the public not to panic but to contact us for clarifications."
At the same press conference, Armed Forces Chief General Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin said his ground commanders in the operations at the two villages have not received any indication that the terrorists were going to surrender.
"The operation will continue at our pace to ensure the areas are cleared of any threats. It's slow but we are making good progress. "There have been no engagement with the enemy but we believe they are hiding in those areas. We just have to be careful."
Zulkifeli also said that one of the terrorists killed two days ago was likely among the key leaders of the the group. The dead terrorist was later identified as Haji Musa, a general, who was killed in the shoot-out with security forces in Tanjung Batu on Thursday. The photograph of the dead general was pasted on the wall of the media centre in Felda Residence Sahabat.
Haji Musa was said to be one of group leaders who broke through the security cordon in Kampung Tanduo and sought refuge in Tanjung Batu.
"Service and Loyalty -- Sulu and North Borneo", "Royal Security Force" and "Black Panter" were among the badges pinned on Haji Musa's uniform.
Other photographs showed pictures of machete and knives, firearms as well as ammunitions seized from the terrorists. Also seized were a religious book and a wallet.
To date, 52 terrorists and eight Malaysian policemen have been killed in clashes since last Friday. The terrorists from southern Philippines reached Lahad Datu on Feb 12 to stake a claim on Sabah.
