Eighteen separatists killed in Papua region, says Indonesian military
Indonesia's military has killed 18 Papuan separatists during an operation in its easternmost region of Papua, an official said on Thursday, and three civilians also died.
The military seized dozens of munitions, including an assault rifle, bows and arrows and an unspecified homemade weapon during Wednesday's operation, military spokesperson Kristomei Sianturi said.
The Indonesian military sustained no casualties.
A spokesperson for the Papua separatists Sebby Sambom said three of their members had died.
Three civilians were killed during the shoot-out between rebels and soldiers, a prominent church group with a chapter in Papua said, citing local church reports. Nearly 1,000 people have been evacuated.
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This handout picture taken and released on July 3, 2024 by the Indonesian Presidential Palace shows Indonesian President Joko Widodo (R) speaking with Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chairman Chung Eui-sun (C) during an inspection of the battery and electric vehicle manufacturing plant by PT Hyundai LG Indonesia-Green Power in Karawang, West Java. Indonesia's Manufacturing Global Ambitions The manufacturing sector constitutes a significant portion of Indonesia's economy, contributing 20% to the GDP and thereby playing a pivotal role in the nation's economic advancement. The majority of manufacturing operations are concentrated on the island of Java, which is home to 60% of the national population and generates 58% of the country's revenue. 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