Jayapura, Jubi – On Friday, August. 11, 2023, the Cartenz Peace Operation Task Force, in collaboration with the Yahukimo Police, arrested three suspected individuals associated with the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) within the Mountainous Papua Province’s Yahukimo Regency. This action was prompted by an incident where the trio attempted to shoot Syaiful Ewa (48), a local resident.
Cartenz Peace Task Force head of Operations Sr. Comr. Faizal Ramadhani said the arrest was made in response to a phone report from Syaiful Ewa, who claimed to have been shot at the Sosial Matoa Street in Dekai District, Yahukimo, around 9 p.m. Papua time.
“The victim survived due to the malfunction of the improvised firearm. Subsequently, the three assailants fled the scene,” Ramadhani said on Saturday in Jayapura City.
A joint operation was then carried out in various locations within Dekai, resulting in the detention of three individuals suspected to be associated with TPNPB. Upon their apprehension, they were found in possession of a makeshift short-barreled firearm, a bayonet, a machete, and a single 5.56-millimeter bullet.
“The individuals apprehended were AN (14), LK (20), and WK (20). All seized evidence has been secured at the Yahukimo Police Station,” Ramadhani explained. He further disclosed that the three detainees were being held at the Yahukimo Police Station.
“Our efforts will focus on uncovering the extent of their involvement with the TPNPB group, as well as the motives behind the stabbing incident accompanied by the attempted shooting of a resident in Yahukimo,” he said, adding that the situation in Dekai is currently stable, with regular activities proceeding as usual. (*)
