INDONESIA?S military has replaced its military Commander in the troubled province of Aceh where an all-out offensive against rebels has been underway for six months, a spokesman for the forces said yesterday.

When the offensive started in May, military and government officials spoke of crushing the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) rebels by this month, but as it progressed they suggested it was likely to take much longer.

Jakarta-based Colonel Narowi told Reuters outgoing Major-General Bambang Darmono had been replaced in a regular rotation by Brigadier-General George Toisutta, who would take the post for an initial period of six months.

?In line with the end of the first phase of the military operation, Darmono has been replaced,? Narowi told Reuters by telephone. Asked about the reason for the move, Narowi said: ?When he was first installed, his post was for six months, so he is merely reaching the end of his term.?

He added that Darmono was being transferred to Jakarta as an assistant to the Indonesian military chief. Darmono himself has been reported by local media as expressing disappointment at not capturing more of the GAM leadership.

GAM has been fighting for independence for 27 years in Aceh, a gas- and oil-rich province on the northwestern trip of Sumatra. The conflict had killed some 10,000 people, mostly civilians, before this year?s offensive.