Jakarta – The Indonesian navy has launched a special operation to cut off the distribution of guns and munitions from Thailand to the separatist movement in Aceh. Five warships were dispatched for the operation, and the navy will also check all ships travelling in waters around Aceh.

Indonesian navy chief Admiral Indroko, who confirmed the operation, said he had ordered the commander of the nation's western fleet to prevent the distribution of guns to Aceh, the Indonesian Observer reported. He said after the signing of a memorandum of understanding on a joint exercise with the US Marines in Jakarta on Thursday that he could not comment on progress.

The commander of the western fleet, First Admiral Putu Ardana, said: "We have prepared five warships for this operation. We have also checked all ships travelling around the waters in Aceh. But we have yet to confiscate any guns." In a related development, security forces in the province have been issued "rules of engagement" cards in an effort to prove Jakarta is serious about avoiding human-rights abuses.