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Breaking News: Giant Anaconda Snake Kills 2 in Indonesia
Subheadline: Victims believed to be illegal miners
Tragedy strikes in remote area of West Sulawesi
JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — A giant anaconda snake killed two men in a remote area of West Sulawesi province, Indonesia, on Saturday, authorities said. The victims were believed to be illegal miners.
The incident occurred in the village of Salubarani, in the Mamuju district, said local police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. I Nyoman Artana. The victims, identified as Baharuddin, 22, and Muhammad, 24, were attacked while they were mining for gold in a nearby forest.
Artana said the victims' bodies were found by other miners who raised the alarm. The miners were reportedly using heavy machinery to dig for gold, which is illegal in the area.
The anaconda snake, which is native to South America, is considered one of the largest and most powerful snakes in the world. It is not typically found in Indonesia, and experts believe that the snake in question may have been brought to the area by humans.
Police are investigating the incident. They said they have not yet been able to locate the snake, which is believed to be still at large.