Christians Threatened with “Bloody Christmas”
24 December 2002 Islamic militants in Bitung, Sulawesi, have threatened a “Bloody Christmas” warning that they will detonate bombs at key sites, including churches, in the town, according to a local newspaper: “Threat of ‘Bloody Christmas’ in Bitung” “The group that planned the Makassar bombing has threatened to explode bombs in Bitung as part of their plan to execute a “Bloody Christmas". A number of terrorists have already taken up their positions in the town. Also a number of youths have been specially “trained” by this terrorist group. The police chief in Bitung, the Mayor and the head of the city council separately confirmed that they had discussed the threat and were taking concrete steps to prevent it. They are guarding the petroleum depot (Pertamina), the telephone and electricity depots, places of worship and other important facilities over the Christmas, New Year period.” “It is strongly suspected that those planning the bombings are part of the Suryadi network. Suryadi, one of the Makassar bombing suspects, is involved as a trainer with the Moro Liberation Movement and has been delegated by Jemaah Islamiyah to destroy North Sulawesi through Bitung. If Bitung can be targeted, especially if the petroleum depot is hit, the whole of North Sulawesi will be shaken. There are reports that 5 bombs have been hidden in preparation to hit vital targets.” Taken from Komentar, a local newspaper in Manado, Sulawesi, 19 Dec 2002 Pray As you celebrate Christmas this year, please remember to pray for Christians and others in Bitung who face an uncertain and fearful holiday season. Pray for protection, that no bomb blasts or attacks will occur. Pray too for peace and reconciliation in the town (home to 10,000 Christian refugees) where tensions have grown over the past year. Local Christians report a dangerous atmosphere and a town which doesn’t “feel safe” anymore. BARNABAS FUND E-MAIL NEWS SERVICE The Barnabas Fund’s e-mail news service provides our supporters with short urgent news briefs and prayer requests for suffering Christians around the world. Please do share these news items with your Christian friends and churches. All news items are available on our website in a more colourful user-friendly presentation format which you can access, print and pass on. If you are not already receiving these news briefs directly from the Barnabas Fund and would like to, please contact us with your name, postal and e-mail addresses, and details of the church you attend. The Barnabas Fund, The Old Rectory, River Street, PEWSEY, Wiltshire, SN9 5DB, UK, Tel 01672 564938, Fax 01672 565030, E-mail info@barnabasfund.org Web www.barnabasfund.org