Jakarta, IO – Military Command (Kodam) XVII/Cendrawasih spokesperson Col. Herman Taryaman, revealed that Paro district, Nduga, Papua has been occupied by joint TNI-Polri personnel.
This followed the burning of the Susi Air plane by the armed criminal group (KKB) last Tuesday (7/2), reported CNN Indonesia, Tuesday (14/2).
Since Wednesday (8/2), the military have evacuated hundreds of civilians out of the region. Nevertheless, the fate and whereabouts of missing Susi Air pilot Captain Philips M remains unknown. The National Liberation Army of West Papua-Free Papua Movement (TPNPB-OPM) led by Egianus Kogoya claimed that that they have taken the Kiwi pilot hostage.
However, this was denied by TNI Commander Adm. Yudo Margono. He said the pilot fled after he as threatened by the separatist group following the attack on the aircraft. (at)