Jakarta, IO – TNI Commander Adm. Yudo Margono emphasized that the rescue operation to free kidnapped Susi Air pilot would be stepped up after a soldier from 321 Raider Infantry Battalion unit was killed by Papuan Terrorist-Separatist Group (KST) in Nduga, Saturday (15/4).
This was conveyed by TNI spokesperson Rear Adm. Julius Widjojono at TNI Headquarters, Cilangkap, East Jakarta, Sunday (16/4).
He revealed that First Private Miftahul Arifin was fatally shot in a gun fight with KST and his body still cannot be evacuated. Julius said Arifin fell into a ravine about 15 meters deep, but when other personnel tried to help, the separatists opened fire.
Julius refuted reports that several soldiers had been killed in the incident. He also acknowledged that the unfavorable weather conditions in Papua presented an obstacle in the evacuation efforts. Nevertheless, the search and rescue operation will be continued on the order of Adm. Yudo.
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“We haven’t got any further information due to the difficulty in reaching the location as the weather has been unpredictable,” he said.
“The operation to rescue the Susi Air pilot will be continued. TNI will act without hesitation.” (un)