Separatist weapons confiscated

MANOKWARI, Papua: National Police Mobile Brigade (Brimob) troops here confiscated two weapons from a separatist movement in Ambumi village, Manokwari regency, following a gunfight.

Manokwari Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Yohanis Prapto Wirahadi said on Wednesday the weapons seized were SP and SS1 types, with 29 bullets.

No casualties were reported in the clash.

Yohanis said the rebels, still possessing three SS1s, fled to the nearby forest. He said the group was led by Othis Koridama.

Police are chasing the rebel group, who have reportedly forced some villagers to join them. Persuasive measures have been used by the police to make the rebels surrender, but to no avail. -- Antara