Four KKB Members Killed in Shootout in Dekai

Jayapura (ANTARA) - The Head of the Public Relations Task Force for Operation Damai Cartenz, Police Commissioner Yusuf Sutejo, stated that four members of the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) were killed in a shootout with a joint team in Dekai, the capital of Yahukimo Regency, Highland Papua.

The shootout between the joint team from the ODC Task Force and the Yahukimo Police with the KKB, specifically the Eden Sawi Battalion, took place near the old KPU office in Dekai on Tuesday (1/9).

“Initially, the joint team intended to carry out an arrest of KKB Kodap XVI Yahukimo Eden Sawi Battalion members led by Deputy Commander Habis Nare in the area of the old KPU office, Miyaro Street, Dekai District, Yahukimo Regency, but the group opened fire, leading to a gunfight,” said Yusuf Sutejo in Jayapura on Wednesday.

Upon entering the area, Yusuf explained, joint personnel were met with gunfire from the KKB, which was met by the joint personnel with warning shots fired into the air.

The warning was ignored by the Eden Sawi Battalion troops, resulting in a firefight. Several individuals were seen fleeing towards the forest while carrying firearms and firing shots at the joint personnel.

Once the situation was relatively secure, an inspection was conducted, and the bodies of four KKB members were discovered.

Additionally, six individuals at the scene were detained, along with evidence including one locally-made long-barreled firearm, 11 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, and three mobile phones.

“Of the four KKB members killed, three have been identified as EH alias E, YK alias LY, and M,” said Yusuf.

Meanwhile, the six individuals detained during the incident are currently at the Yahukimo Police Station in Dekai undergoing investigation to determine their identities, activities, roles, and potential links to the armed group.

“The six individuals detained are still undergoing interrogation,” said the Head of the Public Relations Task Force.