OPM Shoots Smart Air Plane In Sinak, Central Papua

The wingers of the Smart Air plane who were shot by the KKB when they were about to land at the Sinak airport, Puncak Regency, Central Papua, Monday (8/7/2024). BETWEEN -HO-Satgas Damai Cartenz.

Head of the Cartenz Peaceful Public Relations Task Force Kombes Bayu Suseno said the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) or OPM shot a smart Air plane with flight number PK-SNH when it was about to land at Sinak airport, Puncak Regency, Central Papua.

The plane that flew from Nabire Regency carrying five passengers was shot at around 11.40 WIT.

"There were no casualties in the incident and the plane still landed and dropped its passengers in Sinak," said Head of the Cartenz Peace Public Relations Task Force Kombes Bayu Suseno in a written statement reported by ANTARA, Monday, July 8.

He explained that the fire from the KKB hit the propeller, but the plane still landed safely.

Moments later, at around 11.55 WIT, the second plane from the NGA airline to depart from Timika landed in Sinak safely.

"After the conducive situation, the Smart Air and NGA aircraft, whose departure had been delayed, flew back to their original destination, namely Nabire and Timika," he said.

Bayu said the KKB also fired at the Logistics Warehouse Post Infantry Battalion 751/VJS, which was then replied to, resulting in a firefight.

"After carrying out the shooting, the joint apparatus immediately responded by pursuing the group," said Kombes Bayu Suseno.

According to him, it has not been confirmed which group carried out the shooting, either to the plane or to the Yonif 751/VJS logistics warehouse.

"Our members are still conducting investigations to find out which group the perpetrators of the shooting were KKB," said Kombes Bayu.