29 Jul 2019

TNI says Papua Liberation Army's Mugi headquarters seized

6:53 pm on 29 July 2019

Indonesia's military, or TNI, says its soldiers have taken control of an regional headquarters of the West Papua Liberation Army in Papua's Highlands.

Armed conflict between the Liberation Army and the TNI since late last year has left dozens dead in Nduga regency.

Thousands of villagers have also been displaced from the regency due to the conflict.

Indonesian soldiers participate in a major military jungle warfare exercise in Poso, in central Sulawesi island, on March 31, 2015.

Photo: AFP

A TNI spokesman, Muhammad Aidi, said in recent days TNI forces succeeded in taking control of the Liberation Army headquarters in Mugi District of Nduga.

An array of weapons and ammunition was seized in the process.

Antara reported Colonel Aidi saying the security situation in the regency is increasingly conducive, although troops have been urged to remain alert for further attacks by the rebels.

The Liberation Army's guerilla fighters led by Egianus Kogoya shot and killed a TNI officer just over a week ago.

West Papua Liberation Army unit, led by Egianus Kogoya. Derakma, Nduga regency, Papua. March 2019

West Papua Liberation Army unit, led by Egianus Kogoya. Derakma, Nduga regency, Papua. March 2019 Photo: Supplied