Plan to attack foreign tourists uncovered - 10 suspected Islamic militants arrested

On 3 July 2008 Indonesian authorities confirmed that 10 suspected Islamic militants were arrested in the Sumatran village of Sekayu and several explosive devices were seized, averting a planned terrorist attack. The suspected militants were reportedly planning a major attack targeting Westerners in Jakarta. The detained suspects included a Singapore national with links to the Jemaah Islamiyah group and al-Qaeda. The suspects were found with 22 bombs, some packed with bullets, according to a police general speaking on condition of anonymity. Additional materials, including explosive powder, grenades and numerous electric detonators were also recovered. During interrogations of the suspects, investigators discovered that the militants were planning an attack on foreign tourists on Sumatra Island, but later changed their target to Jakarta in an effort to minimize Indonesian casualties. The arrests mark the latest in a series of developments that point to the Indonesian government's success in fighting terrorism.