Papua on Edge as Security Forces Face Increasing Threats Amid Cartenz Peace Operation

Sebby Sambom, spokesperson for the OPM, confirmed the incident but clarified that the TPNPB-OPM was not responsible for the attack.

“While this event is true, it was not carried out under our command. The individuals responsible for this criminal act are Jeffrey Pagawak Bomanak and Askem Mabel,” Sambom stated.

He further explained that the attack was not sanctioned by the TPNPB leadership and emphasized that there was no declaration of war from their side.

Sambom condemned the action as a criminal act, asserting that Pagawak had ordered Mabel to carry out the attack, which resulted in the death of the police officer as well as other indigenous and non-indigenous victims. He reiterated that the TPNPB had no involvement and the attack was not part of any formal military operation.

The incident underscores the ongoing security risks faced by both security forces and civilians in Papua, a region fraught with armed conflict and political tensions. The death of Briptu Iqbal highlights the precarious nature of peacekeeping efforts in Papua, where military and police personnel are regularly confronted with violence as they work to maintain order.

Authorities have vowed to continue their investigation into the shooting, while efforts to stabilize the region remain a priority amidst the ongoing unrest. (Uki Ruknuddin)