Credible but unconfirmed reports have been received by West Papua Media reporting that a major operation is currently being carried out by a combined force of of Australian trained and armed police and military special forces.

One extra company of Brimob police commandos from Manokwari  have been flown in to take part in the raids on the civilian village of Anotaurei on Yapen Island, near the regional centre of Serui.

Witnesses have alleged that a joint-force of Indonesian Army (TNI), Brimob commandos and the elite counter-terrorism force Detachment 88 ( trained and funded by the Australian Federal Police) are intensifying their ongoing “Sweeping” against peaceful political activists and ordinary villagers.

The raid began at 11pm West Papua time in Anotaurei, and witnesses have claimed that 2 trucks, 3 police Avanza SUVs and a Kijang full of armed troops are patrolling and forcing entry in a house-to-house search and cordon operation.

Messages received by West Papua Media have alleged the troops are acting with great violence, and damaging property as they inspect homes, and seizing banned Morning Star banners and flags, sharp tools, kitchen equipment, and “documents” about the Free West Papua movement.  These documents include flyers for rallies and pamphlets.  Anyone found in possession of these are in danger of arrest, with Activists and human rights advocates expressing grave fears for their safety.

At time of writing the sweep operation is ongoing and likely to target outlying villages.  This is a developing story – please stay tuned for more information.