One KKB Member Killed In Contact Shoot In Ilaga, Police: From Kodap III

Illustration (Photo: Pixabay)

JAKARTA - Kapolres Puncak, Papua AKBP Dicky Saragih admitted that the members of the armed criminal group (KKB) who died in a gun battle with the TNI-Polri around the Ilaga Airport runway were members of Kodap III.

"The KKB member who died in the firefight was named Tera Wamang, and is thought to have just arrived from Beoga, Intan Jaya," said AKBP Saragih, quoted by Antara, Friday, February 19.

He emphasized that none of the TNI-Polri members were injured in the shootout which lasted about two and a half hours, preceded by the KKB shooting at the TNI-AU members guarding the airport.

The firefight began at around 09.20 WIT, said Saragih while admitting that members of the Puncak Police, assisted by the TNI, immediately strengthened the personnel guarding the airport.

"The bodies of the KKB members are currently still at the Ilaga Puskesmas," said AKBP Saragih.

During February, two civilians were recorded as victims of persecution by KKB in Puncak Regency, namely on February 9, a motorcycle taxi driver was tortured to death.

Then, Tuesday, February 16, a housewife was injured after being tortured by a KKB who pretended to be buying at his stall selling grocery items.

Kodap III is led by Egianus Kogoya whose area of operation started in Nduga Regency, but is now suspected of having joined other KKB groups around Puncak Regency.