Part 2/12:

This natural disaster struck a region already embroiled in violent civil unrest. For nearly three decades, Aceh had been embroiled in a separatist insurgency led by the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), seeking independence from Indonesian rule and protesting the exploitation of local resources. The conflict garnered thousands of casualties and deepened local grievances, making the aftermath of the tsunami even more complex and heartbreaking.

The Immediate Aftermath and the End of Civil War

The tsunami's destructive force brought an abrupt and unexpected pause to the ongoing conflict. As the waters rose and destroyed villages along the coast, the violence temporarily subsided. The region faced a shared tragedy that overshadowed political disputes, leading to a rare ceasefire.