JOHOR BARU: Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar hopes that the armed intrusion by Sulu gunmen in Lahad Datu will end soon without more bloodshed.

He said that although he was unsure of the intruders' demands, he hoped that they would leave and return to their own country.

"I am sure the Prime Minister knows best and is doing all he can to resolve the matter.

"I hope that our security personnel are careful and patient when carrying out their duties," he told a press conference.

The sultan was seen wiping his eyes on several occasions, saying he was affected by the atrocities committed on the policemen.

He disclosed that one of policemen, L/Kpl Mohd Azrol Tukiran, 27, who was among eight policemen killed, was close to his son Tuanku Laksamana Tunku Abdul Jalil.

"They were close friends and even slept next to each other during their police special forces training in Ulu Kinta in Perak," he said, adding that his son knew about Mohd Azrol's mission in Semporna before he was killed.

Sultan Ibrahim added that the incident and losing a close friend had affected the prince.

He conveyed his condolences to the families of those killed in the gunfights.

"I have also directed the Johor Religious Department to hold special prayers after Friday prayers throughout the state," he said, adding that special prayers would also be held after Azan Maghrib for the safety of personnel now involved in the hunt to flush out the gunmen.

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