DEKAI - Three members of the Indonesian National Armed Forces were reported dead in a series of armed contacts that occurred in the center of Dekai City, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Pegunungan Province. This event is part of an armed operation carried out by the West Papua National Liberation Army.

​The operation was led directly by Sisibia Battalion Commander Major Yosua Sobolim together with Operations Commander Kempes Matuan as well as Defense Regional Command XVI Yahukimo under the leadership of Brigadier General Elkius Kobak and Major Kopitua Heluka. Monitoring activities on the movements of the Indonesian military and military intelligence agents had been conducted since July 22 until August 5, 2026.

​The first attack was launched on August 3, 2026 at around 07.30 local time at Pasar Baru, the center of Dekai City, which resulted in one TNI member dead at the scene. The subsequent attack occurred again on August 4, 2026 in the fried food selling area within civilian settlements of Dekai City and caused two military members of the Indonesian government dead as well as a number of others to suffer injuries.

​TPNPB stated readiness to take full responsibility for the series of armed attacks that killed the three security personnel. TPNPB also requested that security forces not conduct retaliatory attacks into civilian settlements.

​"We are ready to take full responsibility for the incident and if you want to chase us, please come to the Kinbule Headquarters on Jalan Gunung, the center of Dekai City, we are ready to face you," stated Yosua Sobolim, Wednesday, August 5, 2026.

​TPNPB even appealed to President Prabowo Subianto, Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, and TNI Commander General Agus Subyanto not to launch bomb attacks via land or air in villages of the Yahukimo region. TPNPB requested the cessation of shooting against civilians who are gardening as well as refugees who are still in the forests due to the armed conflict.

​TPNPB also emphasized that the cleansing operation against military intelligence agents of the Indonesian government throughout the Land of Papua had been ordered by TPNPB General Operations Commander Major General Lekagak Telenggen from the headquarters in Puncak Ilaga. TPNPB warned all intelligence agents as well as parties involved as spies to immediately leave the conflict region in order to avoid decisive action. (One Papua)