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Four TNI soldiers killed in Papua guerilla attack
More than 30 rebels ambushed a military outpost in Maybrat, attacking the soldiers with machetes before escaping into the jungle.
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This handout photo taken and released by the Indonesian Military on September 3, 2021 shows soldiers carrying coffins of comrades in Sorong in Indonesia's breakaway region of Papua after at least four soldiers were killed and two others wounded in an ambush by guerillas at a military outpost. (AFP/TNI)
At least four Indonesian soldiers were killed and two others wounded in an ambush by guerillas in Papua, authorities said Friday.
More than 30 rebels ambushed a military outpost in Maybrat Regency, West Papua, attacking the soldiers with machetes before escaping into the jungle.
"It was still dark when the attack happened and the perpetrators escaped right away," West Papua military chief Maj. Gen. I Nyoman Cantiasa said in a video statement made available to AFP on Friday.
Security forces arrested two members of the rebel group responsible for the ambush after hours of searching the jungle, the army said.
The military has ordered a manhunt and vowed to "destroy" the rebels in response to Thursday's killings.
The bodies of the dead soldiers have been flown home for burial, according to the Papua army, while the two wounded security forces are currently being treated at a hospital.
Papua rebels have claimed responsibility for the killing, which took place just a week after the group killed two construction workers in Yahukimo district in the region's highlands.
Read also: Indonesia declares Papuan rebels terrorists
Tensions in the conflict-wracked region have soared this year, punctuated by deadly clashes after rebels killed Indonesia's top intelligence chief in Papua in April.
Jakarta responded by formally designating the Papuan separatists "terrorists" -- a move that sparked fears of more violence and rights abuses.
Indonesia's counter-terrorism laws give authorities enhanced powers, including holding suspects for several weeks without formal charges.
