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TNI pursues OPM members after three civilians killed in Papua

Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Habema Joint Regional Defense Command (Koops TNI Habema) is pursuing suspected members of the Free Papua Movement (OPM) suspected of killing three civilians near the Trans Papua Highway in Seradala Subdistrict, Yahukimo District, Highland Papua Province on Monday (July 20).According to a press statement issued by Koops TNI Habema's Information Office received in Jakarta on Wednesday, the victims were a married couple and another woman, all from the Unaukam tribe.”Koops TNI Habema, following the incident, has continued coordinating with the relevant authorities to conduct an investigation, pursue the perpetrators, and enforce the law in accordance with applicable regulations,” Head of the Koops TNI Habema Information Office Lieutenant Colonel (Inf.) Wirya Arthadiguna said in a statement.Wirya said the attack was allegedly carried out by an OPM group led by Kopitua Heluka, identified as the operational commander of the Yahukimo Regional Command.The information regarding the incident had also been published by the OPM through the Central Headquarters Management of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB).”They claimed responsibility for the shooting that resulted in the deaths of three civilians,” Wirya said.Koops TNI Habema had not yet released further details regarding the chronology of the attack, as authorities remain focused on locating the suspects.Meanwhile, the TNI will strengthen security measures in the area to ensure the safety of residents.”Koops TNI Habema will continue to carry out its duties in a selective, measured, professional, and lawful manner to maintain public security and ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions,” Wirya said.