Female Teacher Among Dead After PNG Security Forces Battle Armed Ambush in Tsak Valley
A female teacher is among several people killed following violent clashes in PNG’s Tsak Valley after a police firearms raid ended in an armed ambush on security forces, according to local sources.
Residents said the teacher was caught in the unrest that erupted early Friday morning when police operations targeting illegal firearms escalated into sustained gunfire involving security forces and armed tribesmen.
Acting Police Commissioner Samson Kua confirmed that the intelligence-led operation began before dawn on January 2, with Upper Highlands Special Operations units raiding two locations linked to high-powered weapons used in tribal fighting.
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| PNG Security forces retrieve high-powered guns in dawn raid in Tsak Valley in Enga Province [Photo supplied] |
During the raid, three other armed suspects were shot dead in separate engagements with police. At the first location, officers attempting to enter a house were fired upon, wounding one policeman. Police returned fire, killing the suspect inside and recovering an M16 rifle with a loaded magazine.
At a second location, police engaged armed individuals, seizing another M16 rifle, a modified .38 calibre revolver and ammunition. Three additional suspects were arrested and remain in custody.
As police withdrew around 6.30am, armed tribesmen blocked the only exit route by felling trees and pulling down power lines before opening fire from elevated positions. Security forces fought their way out with support from PNG Defence Force personnel.
“Our members came under heavy fire from armed tribesmen positioned on the high ground and flanks while they were physically clearing the blocked road,” Acting Commissioner Kua said.
“The team utilized heavy firepower and tactical maneuvers to fight their way out, supported by PNGDF Bravo 2 Company, who advanced from the opposite end to secure the corridor.”
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