Jayapura, Papua (ANTARA) - Eight suspected members of a Papuan armed criminal group (KKB) have been arrested by Indonesia's Cartenz Peace Task Force in connection with a deadly attack on civilians earlier this year.

The March 21 attack, which occurred in the Anggruk region of Yahukimo district, Highland Papua, targeted teachers and health workers, killing one teacher and injuring six others.

The arrests took place in Dekai, also in Yahukimo district, on Friday, according to Brigadier General Faizal Rahmadani, chief of operations at the Cartenz Task Force. He said the suspects are now undergoing intensive questioning.

Rahmadani said the eight suspects are believed to be members of the “Eden Sawi Yali” Battalion, led by Ohion Helembo, also known as Bapa Simpan. The battalion is reportedly affiliated with a larger insurgent network headed by Elkius Kobak.

Three of the suspects, identified by the initials AP, DH, and NS, have been formally named in the case. The remaining five are still under investigation.

"The Cartenz Peace Task Force will continue to take firm action and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice," Rahmadani stated.

In recent years, armed separatist groups in Papua have stepped up their use of hit-and-run tactics against security forces and carried out violent attacks on civilians to instill fear among local communities.

Their targets have included construction workers, teachers, motorcycle taxi drivers, vendors, and even civilian aircraft.

In one high-profile case, New Zealand pilot Phillip Mark Mehrtens was taken hostage by the Egianus Kogoya-led armed group after landing his Susi Air plane in Papua’s Nduga district on February 7, 2023. He was held captive for over a year before being released in September 2024.

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Translator: Evarukdijati, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Anton Santoso
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