Six soldiers were killed and 30 more were missing during an operation to rescue a New Zealand pilot in Papua, Indonesia, according to the Australian television channel. A B Crefers to local authorities.
On February 8, representatives of the separatist organization TPNPB-OPM shot down an Indonesian Susi Air plane and taken hostage its pilot. Indonesian security forces launched an operation against a group of separatist militants in West Papua.
“At least six people died and 21 more fled into the woods,” military reports said.
According to the channel, a military spokesperson confirmed that only one person was killed, with some reports that nine soldiers were held captive. Authorities are searching for 30 missing soldiers.
It is not known exactly how many Indonesian army personnel were killed or injured, Papuan military spokesman Herman Taryaman said in a statement. The search continues, but heavy rain, foggy weather and lack of communication make operation difficult.