TNI shoots rebel in Papua

JAYAPURA, Papua: The Indonesian Military acknowledged shooting two men, one who subsequently died as a result of his injuries, claiming they were Papuan rebels, on Tuesday in Hut village, Tor Atas district in Sarmi regency.

Yotam Siam, 20, was shot in the left leg while Douglas Yaas, 18, was shot in the right leg and the stomach. Douglas died on the way to Sarmi community health center.

Trikora Military Command spokesman Maj. CAJ GT Situmorang said that a gunfight erupted at 6 a.m. local time (4 a.m. Jakarta time) between a group of military soldiers and 10 rebels at Hut village.

Military personnel seized a rifle, a round of ammunition, a number of traditional weapons and documents on the Free Papua Organization (OPM).

Meanwhile, Papua Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Daud Sihombing said that he had not received any information about the shooting.

"You'd better ask the military," he said. -- JP