Indonesia Says It Killed 14 Separatists in Papua Clash as Rebels Allege Civilian Deaths

Overview

• The Indonesian military says it retook Soanggama in Intan Jaya after a six-and-a-half-hour firefight with about 30 separatists, reporting no troop casualties.
• Officials say 14 bodies were recovered as the remaining fighters fled into nearby jungle, leaving weapons and equipment behind.
• The army reports seizing a homemade rifle, four air rifles, ammunition, a scope, binoculars, communications gear, documents and a Morning Star flag.
• West Papua Liberation Army spokesman Sebby Sambom disputes the military account, claiming nine civilians were shot and only three rebels were killed, and denying any rebel base in the village.
• The confrontation comes as violence has intensified in recent years, with separatists acquiring stronger weapons and carrying out high-profile incidents such as the prolonged abduction of a New Zealand pilot.