NATIONALXPOS.CO.ID, CENTRAL PAPUA – Gunfire between the West Papua National Liberation Army of the Free Papua Organization (TPNPB-OPM) and Indonesian National Army-Indonesian National Police members of the Kartenz Peace Operation Task Force again claimed lives. The latest, 2 casualties floated in armed contact that lasted until now, Sunday, (1/21/2024) afternoon.
Among the casualties, one of them was a member of the Mobile Brigade (Brimob) Kartenz Peace Operations Task Force who was shot dead by TPNPB-OPM and 1 civilian was allegedly killed by a stray bullet from the Kartenz Peace Ops Task Force during gunfire in Sugapa District, Intan Jaya.
It has not yet been confirmed the identity of the victim’s name from the Brimob members, but the identity of the victim who was shot by a stray bullet was purely a civilian on behalf of Yusak Sondegau, a Catholic from Bilogai parish.
Photo: Special
One of the residents who was evacuating at the Bilogai Catholic Church location, Jhon Benal, in a telephone call to the media NASIONALXPOS.co.id said that Yusak Sondegau, a civilian who was shot dead, was immediately taken to be evacuated to the nearest hospital.
“While the Priest team along with the Parish Council Catholic Church management immediately secured and evacuated the bodies of the Catholics,” he said.
According to information circulating, TPNPB-OPM under the leadership of Peniel and Undius Kogoya, is currently said to control the Sugapa District area in a shootout with the Kartenz Peace Operation Task Force.
Regarding refugees, both from migrants and natives until this afternoon many have fled and secured themselves and their families in the rectory and Catholic sister of Bilogai Village.
Meanwhile, the local government of Intan Jaya Regency itself, so far, has not been able to handle it, due to the situation that has not been conducive due to the ongoing shootout in the city center of Intan Jaya. (Agus Mabel)
