March 23, 2026 | 06:35 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Movement (TPNPB-OPM) has claimed responsibility for a shootout with the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) at a military post in Sori Village, Maybrat Regency, Southwest Papua. The exchange of fire between OPM and TNI took place on Sunday, March 22, 2026.
TPNPB-OPM spokesperson Sebby Sambom stated that the attack resulted in casualties. He said, "Two military personnel were killed, and another person was critically injured" in a statement on Monday, March 23, 2026.
The armed criminal group also claimed to have seized weapons taken by TNI soldiers in the shootout. Sebby stated that two long-barreled firearms and various military logistics had been taken to the OPM headquarters in the Maybrat area. "The current situation following the attack on the military post has caused civilians to fear and evacuate due to the possibility of retaliatory attacks or military operations against residential areas," said Sebby.
The deaths of two TNI soldiers in the shootout with OPM in Maybrat were confirmed by the Commander of the 181/Praja Vira Tama Military Region, Brigadier General Slamet Riyadi. The two casualties were from the Navy, namely Marine Private AS and Marine Private ES.
Both casualties were evacuated to the R. Oetojo Sorong Naval Hospital. Meanwhile, one soldier who was shot, identified as Marine Corporal ES, remains in critical condition. "We express our condolences for the loss of two members of the TNI AL forces who were part of the Habema Operation Task Force while performing their duties for the country," he said in a statement quoted by Antara on Monday, March 23, 2026.
He mentioned that the TNI is now increasing security and strengthening intelligence functions following the attack on the TNI post in Maybrat. Slamet stated that TNI has mapped out areas at risk of disturbances by armed criminal groups. "The addition of troops is being planned, including strengthening intelligence. Information from the public and intelligence agencies will continue to be developed," said this one-star general.
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