Jayapura, Jubi – The Cartenz Peace Operation Task Force has tightened security at airports across nine operational areas, including Yahukimo, Mimika, Intan Jaya, Dogiyai, Puncak, Nduga, Minika, Jayawijaya, and Jayapura districts, following incidents where the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) shot at two civilian aircraft on Friday (16/2/2024) and Saturday (17/2/2024).
“For the past two days, there have been incidents of civilian aircraft being shot at. That is why we have intensified security measures,” said Cartenz Peace Operation chief Sr. Comr. Faizal Ramadhani in Jayapura City on Sunday (18/2/2024).
He stated that there are preliminary suspicions that the shootings are related to the 2024 Legislative Election. “These are still initial suspicions. The shootings were carried out by the TPNPB in the Puncak region against an Asian One Air plane, and in the Yahukimo region against a Wings Air plane,” he explained.
Meanwhile, the Cartenz Peace Operation spokesperson Adj. Sr. Comr. Bayu Suseno, stated that they continue to conduct sweeps and pursuits against the TPNPB group who allegedly shot at civilian aircraft.
“We have enhanced security by expanding the perimeter around airports in the nine operational areas,” said Suseno.
Previously reported, the shooting incidents occurred after the 2024 Election voting in Papua. The first shooting occurred at Milawak Airport, Beoga District, Puncak Regency, on February 16, 2024, around 09:52 a.m. Papua time against an Asia One Air PK-LTF aircraft. Then on February 17, 2024, at 01:45 p.m. Papua time, a Wings Air aircraft was shot at as it was about to land at Dekai Airport, Yahukimo Regency.
In these shooting incidents, one Indonesian Military (TNI) soldier from 1715 Yahukimo District Military Command, First Pvt. Ongen R. Dori, suffered minor injuries to the left side of his neck due to glass shrapnel from the bullet. (*)
