Joint task force arrests two more suspects in deadly attack on police in Katingan
Palangka Raya (ANTARA) - A joint task force from the Central Kalimantan Regional Police has arrested two men suspected of involvement in the attack on Katinglag Police personnel during a narcotics enforcement operation in Tumbang Kalemei Village, Central Katingan District.
“Two men, with the initials Y and L, were successfully secured this morning in the Katingan Regency area,” said Katingan Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Dodik Hartono, when confirmed in Palangka Raya on Wednesday.
The two suspects are currently undergoing intensive interrogation by investigators to determine their respective roles in the attack, which resulted in the deaths of three police officers.
Investigators are also continuing to expand the investigation to uncover the potential involvement of other perpetrators in the case.
“At this time, both individuals are still being questioned, and the examination is part of the ongoing development of the case,” he said.
Dodik stated that the joint task force is still pursuing several other individuals suspected of participating in the attack.
According to him, the law enforcement process will continue until all suspected parties are arrested and processed in accordance with applicable regulations.
“To date, five suspects have been secured. Other suspects are still being pursued by the joint task force, and further investigations will continue,” he added.
The arrest of Y and L brings the total number of suspects currently undergoing legal proceedings to five.
The attack occurred while personnel from the Katingan Police Narcotics Unit were conducting an enforcement operation against a suspected drug kingpin in Tumbang Kalemei Village in the early hours of Thursday (2/7).
The operation met with resistance involving the alleged use of sharp weapons, which led to the deaths of three police officers in the line of duty.
“We will continue to develop this case until all involved parties are uncovered and processed according to the law,” said Dodik.
Investigation results pointed towards a suspect with the initials BIO, a recidivist in narcotics cases. The Narcotics Unit then moved to the location and arrived in the early hours of Thursday (2/7) to carry out the arrest. During the enforcement process, officers faced resistance using sharp weapons.
Despite warning shots being fired, the attack continued, forcing officers to take measured action to protect the safety of personnel.
The situation became increasingly unstable when the suspect’s family and several residents allegedly joined the attack using sharp weapons, improvised firearms, and various dangerous objects.
The Narcotics Unit then attempted to retreat while requesting assistance from personnel from the Katingan Police and the Central Katingan Police Sub-district.
During the evacuation, nine personnel were successfully rescued, while three police officers lost their lives while performing their duties.