15 Mar 2004

Indonesian troops say they have killed a separatist leader in Papua

7:31 am on 15 March 2004

Indonesian troops have killed a separatist leader in the province of Papua.

Leo Warisman died during a shootout in the west coast Sarmi district.

An army spokesman said he was a key planner in the Free Papua Movement, or OPM, and his death could weaken the group.

The military said Mr Warisman had been on a most wanted list because of his alleged role in planning an attack in 2001 on a timber camp in which four soldiers died.

There has been no confirmation of the death from the OPM.