Authorities have arrested four members of an armed criminal group in Yahukimo, Papua Mountains, following a series of violent incidents. Two of those arrested are suspected of involvement in the February 11 shooting of a Smart Air aircraft in Boven Digoel, South Papua.
The head of public relations for Operation Peace Cartenz 2026, Commissioner Yusuf Sutejo, initially indicated that around 20 individuals were believed to be involved in the aircraft shooting. Police are currently questioning the two suspects, identified only by their initials GW and EH.
“Of the approximately 20 people suspected of involvement in the shooting of the Smart Air pioneer aircraft on February 11, two have been identified and are currently undergoing further investigation,” Sutejo said, according to reports.
SCROLL TO CONTINUE WITH CONTENT
Investigators have also gathered statements from passengers who survived the shooting. During the attack, the perpetrators were armed with a variety of firearms and bladed weapons.
“We see estimated that three to four long-barreled firearms were used by the perpetrators, while others carried bladed weapons such as spears, arrows and machetes. The type and origin of the firearms are still being identified,” Sutejo explained.
Authorities say the remaining suspects are still at large and a number of police personnel have been deployed to secure the Boven Digoel region.
More details can be found here.
Spot Video ‘National Police Chief Orders Pursuit of KKB Shooters of Smart Air Plane’:
(yld/imk)
