Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein has confirmed that an ambush that killed six police personnel in Kampung Simunul, in Semporna, Sabah on March 2 was linked to the Lahad Datu intrusion by Sulu terrorists.

NONE "The deadly ambush was not an isolated act, but linked to the Sulu terrorists landing in Lahad Datu on Feb 12," he told reporters today after meeting residents of Kampung Senallang Lama near Semporna, the scene where a terrorist was beaten to death by villagers.

In the Kampung Simunul incident, a group of police personnel were attacked as they entered the coastal village to check on information on the presence of an armed group there at 8pm.

In the ensuing gun battle, six terrorists were killed.

On the arrests of 97 people suspected of either allegedly abetting or being directly involved with the Sulu terrorists, Hishammuddin said they were still being investigated under new acts related to terrorism.

"If action is not taken now, more people will be killed," he said, adding Ops Daulat showed the government's seriousness in maintaining peace and security.

- Bernama

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