LAHAD DATU: Najib announces attack on intruders5 March 2013 Tuesday | last updated at 08:25AM
Below is the statement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak on the Lahad Datu incident.
Since the intrusion by a group of gunmen in Lahad Datu on Feb 12, the government has taken an approach to resolve the conflict without any bloodshed.
The police have arranged for meetings and discussions hoping that the intruders would agree to leave peacefully without facing serious action.
However, as the intrusion prolonged, it was clear that the intruders had no intention to leave Sabah. Last Friday, they fired shots at policemen on duty causing the deaths of two officers and one day later, another six policemen were killed by intruders in Semporna.
After the first attack, I have reaffirmed that the intruders must surrender or we will act.
As an Islamic country that loves peace and uphold the struggle to end conflicts through negotiations, our effort to prevent bloodshed in Lahad Datu failed. Our security forces were attacked and our men killed. Malaysians, especially in Sabah, are worried for their safety.
The government must take action to defend the country's dignity and sovereignty as demanded by the people.
At 7am this morning, our security forces have launched an attack (on the intruders) in Kampung Tanduo.
http://www.nst.com.my/latest/font-color-re...ruders-1.229006Security forces launch attack on intruders5 March 2013 Tuesday | last updated at 10:17AM
LAHAD DATU; Security forces have launched an attack on the intruders in Kampung Tanduo, Felda Sahabat here this morning.
10.00am: Six vessels, two each from the Navy, marine police and Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency were earlier seen leaving the marine police jetty
9.15am: Three fighter jets bombed Kampung Tanduo before troops went in
8.58am: The Lahad Datu district hospital has also been put on alert.
Police personnel have cordoned off the emergency area in the hospital in preperation for casualties.
8.49am: In Kampung E, located closest to Kampung Tanduo where the armed intruders are hiding said they were jolted by loud sound of explosiions that caused thin windows to shatter.
Glass doors at the media centre here, some 5km away shook several times from 7am.
8.25am: Villagers fled from the area as several exploisions were heard.
Fighter jets and helicopters are also seen.
7.30am: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak issued a statement announcing the attack on intruders