Habema Operational Command pursues OPM responsible for killing eight civilians in Yahukimo

Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Habema Operational Command of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI Habema) is preparing troops to pursue the group of Organisasi Papua Merdeka (OPM) suspected of killing eight civilian gold miners in the Korowai area, Yahukimo Regency, Papua.

The eight civilians were killed by the OPM group amid accusations that they were spies for security forces.

“The eight individuals were not security personnel as alleged by the OPM group, but civilians engaged in gold panning activities in the area,” said the Habema TNI Information Chief Lieutenant Colonel Inf M. Wirya Arthadiguna in a press release received in Jakarta on Thursday.

Wirya said the killings occurred on Wednesday (20 May).

The perpetrators were members of the TPNPB-OPM Kodap XVI Yahukimo group led by Mayor Kopitua Heluka, together with troops of the Yamue Battalion under the command of Mayor Dejang Heluka.

After killing eight civilians, the OPM group reportedly fled to another region.

Koops Habema has prepared troops, including helicopter support, to hunt down the perpetrators.

Not only to find the perpetrators, Koops Habema is also pursuing the evacuation of the civilian victims’ bodies in what is described as a brutal act by the OPM group.

“Koops TNI Habema strongly condemns the violence and killings of civilians carried out by the OPM group. The TNI will pursue the perpetrators and continue to enhance security in Yahukimo,” Wirya said.

Wirya also assured that authorities would tighten patrols and security in Yahukimo to safeguard local residents.