TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Free Papua National Liberation Army for West Papua (TPNPB-OPM) claims to have shot at a civilian aircraft at Sinak Airport, Puncak Regency, Central Papua province, on Monday, July 8. TPNPB-OPM spokesman Sebby Sambom said the shooting occurred at 12:40 p.m. WIT on Monday, during the deployment of military logistics and troops.

"Because the plane was dropping Indonesian military troops and logistics from Nabire to the TPNPB area of operation in Sinak," Sambom said in a written message received by Tempo on Tuesday, July 9.

Sr. Comr. Bayu Suseno, The Cartenz 2024 Peace Operation's PR chief, confirmed the shooting of the Smart Air PK-SNH plane with five passengers at Sinak airport.

Bayu revealed that the shooting occurred when the plane was about to land at the airport at around 11:40 am. "The shot hit the propeller blade of the plane, but fortunately there were no casualties in the incident. The pilot quickly decided to continue landing at Sinak Airport and wait for a safe situation to return to Nabire," Bayu said in his official statement.

At 11:55 a.m., the second NGA Airlines aircraft, which took off from Timika, landed at Sinak safely. Once the situation was safe, the Smart Air and NGA planes successfully returned to their original destinations of Nabire and Mimika.

The shooting down of the Smart Air plane adds to the long list of violence perpetrated by the KKB in Papua. In recent months, the armed criminal group (KKB) or OPM has increased its attacks on security forces and civilians.

Bayu assured that the security forces would continue to take action against the perpetrators and ensure security in the area. He said patrols and security operations will continue to be intensified to prevent the armed group from resuming operations.

"The public is advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the security forces," he said.

Gunfight

Not only did the armed group shoot at the plane, Bayu said, but they also fired shots at the Yonif 751 logistics warehouse post. However, this attack was retaliated against by the members, resulting in a shootout.

"After the shooting, the joint forces immediately responded by chasing the group," he said.

Sebby Sambom also said that a gunfight took place between the TPNPB and Indonesian military officers guarding the Sinak airport. He claimed that the shooting lasted for two hours, from 12:40 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Sambom said the TPNPB troops who engaged in the firefight were safe. He could not confirm whether there were any casualties among the Indonesian military.

TEMPO.CO

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