Kaops: Joint Team Exchanges Fire with KKB During Patrol in Yahukimo

Jayapura (ANTARA) - The Damai Cartenz Task Force Operations Commander, Inspector General of Police Faizal Rahmadani, stated that a joint team engaged in a firefight with an armed criminal group (KKB) during a patrol near Samboga Village, Seredala District, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Pegunungan. According to reports received, the exchange of fire occurred while the joint team was patrolling on Wednesday (15/4) and passing through the Trans Papua road. The team from the Damai Cartenz Task Force and the Yahukimo Police Resort was shot at by the KKB, leading to the firefight. “Initially, while patrolling, the joint team received gunfire from the KKB, which hit the tactical vehicle being used,” said Faizal when contacted from Jayapura on Thursday morning. Shortly after being fired upon, the joint team personnel responded by returning fire in response to the attack. However, the situation heated up again when the KKB fired from two different directions, namely from the right and left sides of the road. Another exchange of fire ensued, and shouts were heard from the forest area indicating the presence of the armed group. During the patrol, Faizal said, the joint team also discovered road blockades using trees, which temporarily hindered access to Samboga Village. After the situation calmed, the joint team conducted a sweep of the scene and found several pieces of evidence believed to belong to the KKB, such as shoes, one stripper clip or ammunition loader, one machete, tobacco cigarettes, a T-shirt, and a mobile phone along with its charger. “There were no fatalities in the incident. To provide a sense of security, the Damai Cartenz Task Force along with the Yahukimo Police Resort will increase patrols, given that investigations have revealed the KKB Kodap XVI Yahukimo is suspected of planning security disruption actions around Dekai after conducting a traditional stone-burning ritual on 11 April,” said Faizal.