Papuan Separatist Armed Groups Against Shot at Police and Civilians

Paniai - There was a shooting by a the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) which resulted in 1 police officer and 1 civilian being injured, at Perintis Banyubiru Airport, Paniai Regency, Central Papua, Tuesday (6/2/2024) at 06.50 local time.

This was conveyed by Head of Public Affairs (Kapendam) XVII/Cenderawasih Lieutenant Colonel Inf Candra Kurniawan, S.E., M.M in his statement.

This incident started when the Smart Aviation plane from Nabire was about to land at Baya Biru Airport, when suddenly shots were aimed at the Smart Aviation airline company agent at Sdr Benjamin Banua Airport.

Seeing a civilian shot, then Aiptu Manurung (50), a member of the National Police who was guarding the airport, tried to help, but was also hit by gunfire from the KKB and then the perpetrators ran away.

Victim Aiptu Manurung (50), suffered a gunshot wound to the front ribs through the back of the spine (conscious condition), Mr Benyamin Banua (53) suffered a gunshot wound at the right thigh (conscious).

Furthermore, the two victims were immediately evacuated to Nabire Regional Hospital for further medical treatment.

"It is suspected that the cause is due to thuggery from the KKB group; asking for money but not responded," said Lt. Col. Inf Candra.