Jakarta – Indonesia's Armed Forces will take every step to stop the troubled region of Aceh from seceding from the country, a senior military official was quoted as saying yesterday. But the security situation in Aceh was being discussed to see if it was likely to deteriorate, Lieutenant-General Sugiono, head of the Armed Forces general affairs staff, was quoted as saying by the state Antara news agency.

"Whatever the risks involved, we will prevent Aceh from ever leaving the fold of the republic of Indonesia," said Lt-Gen Sugiono, although he ruled out re-imposing an anti-rebel military operation, which was only halted last year.

Although restarting the operation was an option, it was not one the army high command was currently planning to pursue, he said. Meanwhile, the Jakarta Post, citing Information Minister Yunus Yosfiah, said more troops would be sent to Aceh because of increased rebel attacks. Mr Yosfiah was quoting comments made by Armed Forces chief General Wiranto during a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday.