It is a big blow, but it does not mean we will stop our struggle for independence

Sofyan Daud, rebel spokesman

Military and political leaders of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) have admitted that the death of Abdullah Syafei is a major blow.

For the Indonesian armed forces, the tracking down and killing of the top rebel commander will rank as one of the most successful operations they have carried out in 25 years of conflict in the province.

Abdullah Syafei was a particularly prized target as he had devoted most of his life to the independence struggle.

'Ready to die'

He joined GAM when it was first established in 1976, and rose up through the organisation, becoming military commander more than 12 years ago.

Abdullah Syafei became military leader in 1989

His colleagues said his commitment to the cause was unwavering.

One quoted him as saying in his last speech to his men that he was ready to die at any time.

"What is important is that you all work to make Aceh independent," he is reported to have said.

Whilst GAM admits the obvious loss caused by his death, spokesmen such as Sofyan Daud are also quick to point out that a replacement has already been found.

He will hold the post until a full leadership meeting can be held to officially appoint a new commander.

"It is a big blow, but it does not mean we will stop our struggle for independence," Mr Daud told the BBC.

But for all the bravado, there can be no doubt that the rebels are now under enormous pressure.

Megawati's priorities

Last year after peace talks between the two sides broke down, the Indonesian armed forces launched a new offensive with the clear aim of eradicating the rebels.

Hundreds of troops specially trained for counter-insurgency operations moved into the province.

Megawati has ruled out independence for Aceh

And unlike a year ago when Abdurrahman Wahid was still president, under his successor Megawati Sukarnoputri, the military now has the full backing of the government.

Megawati has made it clear she will not tolerate attempts by any provinces to break away.

She has made the integrity of the nation one of her top priorities and is quite prepared to use force to ensure Indonesia's borders remain the same.

And the military operation has clearly been ruthless.

While both sides carry out violent attacks, the number of casualties is now extremely high.

Last year more than 1,000 people died, whiole more than 100 were killed in the first three weeks of this year alone.

When the military operation was launched in 2000, the government said it would also work hard to promote dialogue with the Acehenese people and improve the social and economic conditions in the province.

Aceh has now been granted special autonomy.

It can keep a much greater share of the oil and gas revenue which for decades was simply taken by Jakarta, and it can implement Islamic Sharia law.

But also at the core of the demand for independence is people's bitterness caused by decades of gross human rights abuses by the Indonesian security forces.

And yet once again the soldiers appear to have free rein in the province.

The government is on the verge of halting all attempts to find a negotiated solution and is increasingly dependent on the military option.

The killing of Abdullah Syafei may mark just the beginning of a very bloody year in Aceh.