TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Yet another shootout reportedly occurred between the Indonesian Military (TNI) and the West Papua National Liberation Army - Free Papua Movement (TPNPB-OPM) on Thursday, January 27, in Bukit Tepuk, Jenggernok Village, Gome District, Puncak Regency, Papua. One TNI soldier was reportedly killed.

“Until now, gunfire is still going on at the location. As a result of this incident, two personnel from the Army Infantry Battalion (Yonif) R 408/SBH were hit,” said the Cenderawasih Military District Command spokesman Aqsha Erlangga in a written statement, Thursday.

Aqsha said the shootout started with a shooting carried out by TPNPB-OPM members at the police post in Gome. Until now the army was still on guard at the Gome Post and was evacuating the two victims.

“Of the two soldiers who were shot, one person died on the spot, second sergeant Rizal. Meanwhile, Pratu Baraza who was shot in the stomach after receiving treatment at the Ilaga Health Center, Puncak Regency, did not survive,” Aqsha added.

The spokesman for the TPNPB-OPM, Sebby Sembom, confirmed that the attack was initiated by his group. The morning attack was led by Commander in Chief Gen Goliath Tabuni, General Operations Commander Major General Lekagak Telenggen, Kodap Ilaga Commander Penny Murib, Kodap Sinak Commander Murib, and Field Commander for Numbuk Tekenggen.

“A follow-up attack was carried out by the TPNPB troops under the Command of Numbuk Telenggen at 9:37 a.m. Papua time and the TPNPB field commander Numbuk Telenggen with his troops attacked the military post again in Gome Tanah Merah District, Puncak Ilaga Regency,” said Sebby.

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EGI ADYATAMA