Indonesian Military Says Three Papuan Separatists Killed in Gunfight
The Indonesian military reported killing three suspected members of the Free Papua Movement (OPM) during a gunfight in Southwest Papua. The military stated the operation was intended to protect civilians from armed separatist threats.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the ongoing and volatile conflict in the Papua region, where the Indonesian government continues to face armed resistance from separatist groups.
October 9, 2026 | 4:27 pm SHARE URL berhasil di salin. Indonesian soldiers from the Habema Joint Regional Defense Command recover the bodies of two civilians killed in an attack blamed on the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Movement (TPNPB-OPM) near the Trans Papua Highway in Seradala district, Yahukimo, Papua Highlands, on July 23, 2026. (Photo courtesy of TNI) Jakarta. The Indonesian military (TNI) said Friday that its troops had killed three suspected members of the Free Papua Movement (OPM) during a gunfight in Maybrat Regency, Southwest Papua, as security operations against armed separatist groups intensified in the region.
Only one body was recovered at the scene near the Frambu River, while the bodies of two other suspected separatists were reportedly swept away by the current and remained missing, according to the military's Habema Task Force.
The operation involved personnel from Infantry Battalion 9.
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