KKB Attacks Papuan Dambet Military Command Post Patrol, One Soldier Injured

Kapendam XVII/Cenderawasih Col. Inf. Aqsha Erlangga. ANTARA/HO-Personal Documents

JAYAPURA - Armed civilian groups (KSB) Thursday attacked soldiers serving at the Dambet Koramil Post, Beoga District, Puncak Regency, Papua, while on patrol. One soldier was injured.

"At around 12.45 WIT there was another attack and shooting by KSB against soldiers at the Dambet Koramil Post, Kodim Battalion R 408/SBH in Dambet Village, Beoga District, Puncak Regency," said Kapendam XVII Cenderawasih Col. Inf. Aqsha Erlangga, quoted by Antara, Thursday, March 3rd.

As a result, Pratu Herianto was shot in the neck below the ear and is currently still conscious and was evacuated to the puskesmas.

According to reports received, the incident began when 12 personnel of the Dambet Koramil Post, Satgas Kodim Yonif R 408/SBH carried out patrols while repairing waterways which was about 50 meters from the post.

While repairing the waterways, KSB suddenly attacked and shot at the soldiers, resulting in a shootout.

Reportedly, the KSB numbered 15 people and three of them carried long-barreled firearms. After a shootout occurred, KSB reportedly headed towards Ogamki Village, Beoga District.

Pratu Herianto is scheduled for Friday, 3rd to be evacuated to Timika by helicopter for further treatment.

Previously, Wednesday (2/3) OTK was reported to have attacked and shot at Palaparing Timur Telematika (PTT) employees who were repairing Telkomsel's "Tower Base Transceiver Station" (BTS) 3 "CO 53M 756085 9585257" in Beoga District.

Eight people were reported to have died in the incident, one of them a local resident.

"The identities of the victims who died are Billy, Renal, Bona, Bebi Tabuni, Jamal, Eko, Syahril and Pak De," said Col. Inf. Aqsha Erlangga.