Police officials have stated that the security operation carried out in Tsak Valley in the Enga Province that strike public concern on social media, was the result of months of intelligence gathering and targeted planning.
Acting Commissioner of Police Samson Kua said the operation was conducted under the Counter-Terrorism Act and led by Upper Highlands Special Operations units, with the specific objective of locating and apprehending suspects in possession of factory-made firearms believed to be used in tribal fighting and criminal activity.
He said the Upper Highlands had been identified as a high-risk area due to the presence of armed groups capable of spreading fear and destabilizing communities.
According to Acting Commissioner Kua, the operation commenced in the early hours of Friday, January 2nd, with security forces executing simultaneous raids at two separate locations in the Tsak Valley.
He said at the first location, officers attempting entry were met with immediate and indiscriminate gunfire from inside the dwelling.
One member of the security forces was shot and wounded during the initial exchange. Officers returned fire to suppress the threat, resulting in the armed suspect being shot dead.
An M16 factory-made rifle and a loaded magazine were recovered from the scene.
At the second location, Acting Commissioner Kua said security forces engaged another armed individual who was also shot and killed.
A second M16 rifle with a loaded magazine was seized, along with a modified .38-calibre revolver and ammunition for both 7.62mm and 5.56mm calibers.
Three additional suspects were arrested at the scene and remain in police custody.
He said the operation concluded at approximately 6:30am, but security forces faced further danger while withdrawing from the village.
Large trees were felled across three exit routes, power lines were brought down, and officers came under gunfire from armed tribesmen positioned on elevated ground as they attempted to clear the road.
“Our members came under heavy fire from armed tribesmen positioned on the high ground and flanks while they were physically clearing the blocked road. A police vehicle was struck by gunfire, narrowly missing the driver,” Acting Commissioner Kua said.
He said the convoy was able to extract after tactical manoeuvres and support from PNG Defence Force Bravo 2 Company, which advanced from the opposite end to secure the withdrawal corridor.
The wounded officer was stabilized at the scene by an army medic and transported to hospital, where he was treated for pellet wounds and later discharged.
Acting Commissioner Kua confirmed that the three detained suspects will undergo questioning and formal charging. A vehicle belonging to one of the suspects has also been impounded.
He said intelligence indicated the seized M16 rifles were being used as “hired guns” to fuel tribal conflicts and support criminal activity. Serial numbers on the weapons will be traced to determine their origin.
The Police Officials now urged the public to rely on verified information and avoid speculation, particularly on social media, noting that misinformation can undermine security operations.
