2 May 2003

Renewed clashes between Indonesian troops and OPM rebels

10:13 am on 2 May 2003

Indonesian troops have clashed with suspected separatist rebels of the Free Papua Organisation in the highlands of Papua province.

The Antara news agency says the clash began at Koyawage forest in the Tiom area of the Central Highlands.

The soldiers are still searching for eight guns which were among 29 firearms stolen in a raid on a military armoury in the town of Wamena a month ago during which two soldiers and a suspected rebel were killed.

The latest clash erupted during a visit to the area by the regional military commander and the district military commander as well as the top district official.

There has been concern about Islamic militants in the area.

Laskar Jihad's fighters have reportedly established themselves in at least 12 different military training camps in Papua.

There are also claims from Papuan human rights groups that Laskar Jihad is being armed, funded and protected by the Indonesian military.