Jayapura, Jubi – The West Papua National Liberation Army Regional Command XVI Yahukimo, or TPNPB Kodap XVI Yahukimo, has claimed responsibility for killing eight people it alleged were security personnel disguised as illegal gold miners in Korowai.

The commander of operations for TPNPB Kodap XVI Yahukimo, Major Kopitua Heluka, said the attack was carried out in retaliation for the deaths of two TPNPB members from Battalion Yamue.

The two TPNPB members were identified as Marten Heluka and Yoper Payage. Both were killed during a firefight with Indonesian security forces in Dekai, the capital of Yahukimo Regency in Papua Highlands, on Sunday (17/5/2026).

Following the incident, Major Kopitua Heluka, together with TPNPB troops from Battalion Yamue led by Battalion Operations Commander Kumis Passe and Major Dejang Heluka, launched what they described as a “sweeping operation” in the Yahukimo area.

The operation, according to the group, was conducted as retaliation for the deaths of the two Battalion Yamue members.

“TPNPB forces carried out operations from 17 May 2026 to 20 May 2026. As a result, [we] shot dead eight people [whom we suspected were] TNI-Polri personnel disguised as illegal gold miners,” Kopitua Heluka said in a press release issued by the TPNPB National Commission on Wednesday night (20/5/2026).

He said Battalion Yamue Operations Commander Dejang Heluka and his troops were responsible for carrying out the retaliatory operation.

“We are not going anywhere. I have my troops, and we swear to continue operations until Papua is independent. Especially after the TNI-Polri shot my troops, I will retaliate,” he said. (*)