Jayapura, Papua (ANTARA) - Two suspected members of an armed group were killed in a gunfight with Indonesian military (TNI) personnel near Nonggoloit Village, Nduga District, Highland Papua Province, during a patrol on Friday, October 23.
Habema Operations Command Chief Brig. Gen. Riyanto said in Jayapura on Saturday that the October 23 clash involved members of the Ndugama-Nderakma group, identified by the military as KKB Kodap III.
“The patrol team followed up on information about an armed group near a residential area. The group reportedly fired at troops, triggering an exchange of gunfire,” Riyanto said.
Two suspected fighters died at the scene, while the others fled, he said.
Authorities were still identifying the two men. Troops seized two air rifles, a bow and arrows, bladed weapons, 18 mobile phones, handheld radios, documents, group insignia, and Rp88 million (about US$4,900).
“Our troops act selectively, proportionately, and professionally, in accordance with operational rules, with public safety as their top priority,” Riyanto said.
The Habema command urged all parties to abandon violence and avoid further clashes with security forces.
“To those still in the forests and mountains, the path back to your families and communities remains open. Stop the violence and help build a better future for Papua’s next generation,” Riyanto said.
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Translator: Evarukdijati, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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