Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia’s military (TNI) said on Friday that its troops shot three members of the separatist Free Papua Movement (OPM) during a clash in Sungai Frambu, Maybrat District, Southwest Papua Province.
The Habema Joint Operations Command said troops from the 9th Marine Infantry Battalion clashed with members of OPM’s Sorong Raya regional command.
The clash occurred as troops assigned to Operation Badai Kasuari 3.10 patrolled a forest in Sungai Frambu to monitor security and track separatist movements.
The patrol came under fire in an ambush at about 9:01 a.m. local time, triggering an exchange of gunfire.
After the clash, troops reported that three OPM members had been shot. A body found at the scene was believed to be Manfred Fatem, the group’s regional operations commander.
Two other men, believed to be Anton Fatem and Yesias Fatem, were swept away by the river, and a search is underway.
Troops also recovered an AK-101 rifle at the scene.
Brig. Gen. Riyanto, commander of the Habema Joint Operations Command, said the operation aimed to protect the public from threats posed by armed separatist groups in Papua.
“Any armed threat to public safety will be handled firmly and professionally. Our priority is to ensure safe public spaces, restore confidence in public services and encourage social activities,” Riyanto said.
He urged members of the separatist group to end hostilities against Indonesia and pursue peace.
“To our brothers still in the forest, the path to peace remains open,” Riyanto said.
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Translator: Walda Marison, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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