Indonesia says eight miners killed by Papua rebels

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JAKARTA:Separatist insurgents in Indonesia’s volatile eastern Papua region have shot and killed eight gold miners, sparking heightened security operations across the remote territory, military officials confirmed on Thursday.

The deadly ambush occurred on Wednesday while the miners were working at a site in the far-flung Yahukimo district of the Papua Pegunungan province.

Military spokesperson Wirya Arthadiguna stated that the victims were ordinary civilians panning for gold. However, the rebel West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) claimed responsibility for the targeted attack, labeling it a ‘cleansing operation’ against what they alleged were undercover soldiers and police officers disguised as local laborers.

According to TPNPB spokesperson Sebby Sambom, the assault was direct retaliation for the recent military killing of two rebel members. The military has deployed tactical teams via helicopter to recover the bodies and track down the fleeing gunmen.