NOORDIN'S FIRST WIFE, BROTHER TO CLAIM BODY

JOHOR BAHARU (Malaysia), Sept 21 (Bernama) -- The first wife of slain
militant Noordin Mohamad Top, who was Asia's most wanted terrorist, and her
elder brother are to leave for Jakarta soon to claim Noordin's body for burial
in Malaysia.

A security source said the wife, a Quran teacher in Ulu Tiram identified as
Rahmah, and her brother Yahya were expected to bring back Noordin's body on Sept
29 for burial in Pontian.

The source said Indonesian government agencies were on Aidilfitri holiday
now and it would take time for Noordin's body to be sent back to Malaysia.

Noordin, 41, who had led a more radical splinter group of the Jemaah
Islamiyah, was shot dead in an operation carried out by an Indonesian elite
anti-terrorist squad in Solo, central Java, on Sept 17, ending a nine-year hunt
for the elusive militant who had hailed from Malaysia.

Three other terrorists were also killed in the operation.

Noordin is claimed to have masterminded several terrorists attacks in
Indonesia.

-- BERNAMA