Banda Aceh – Indonesian soldiers have shot dead eight separatist rebels in Aceh and seized weapons, the military said on Thursday.

Four Free Aceh Movement (GAM) members were killed Tuesday and four more Wednesday in separate clashes, said provincial military spokesman Lt. Col. Asep Sapari. Soldiers seized two rifles and ammunition on Wednesday.

Troops in West Aceh captured three rebels including two female fighters, Sapari said. Six guerrillas surrendered on Wednesday and one handed over an automatic rifle and ammunition.

Sapari also accused the rebels of murdering two civilians whose bodies were found Wednesday. GAM officials could not be immediately reached for comment.

The military says it has killed more than 1,300 rebels since a major offensive was launched last May to wipe out GAM. About 2,000 guerrillas and their sympathizers have been arrested or have surrendered, it says.

GAM has been fighting since 1976 for independence for the province on the northern tip of Sumatra island.