PALU, Central Sulawesi ~ Police said they arrested two senior Muslim militants after a shootout on Thursday in Poso in which one of the suspects was wounded.

Basri and Ardin were wanted over a series of anti-Christian attacks, including the killings of two ministers.

Police raided a house early on Thursday following a tip-off from residents.

“Basri was arrested this morning with Ardin, alias Rojak,” police liaison officer Wibowo told AFP.

Ardin, who was carrying a gun, resisted arrest and was shot in the stomach, Wibowo said. Another police official said a third person was also arrested.

Basri is believed to be the leader of one of several groups involved in the violence in Poso in recent years.

Poso has seen intermittent sectarian violence after open conflict erupted between Muslims and Christians there in 2000. Some 1,000 people have since lost their lives in the conflict.