JAKARTA - The Indonesian military (TNI) said on Thursday that its patrol had shot and killed 18 suspected armed separatists in the country's Intan Jaya regency of Central Papua province.

In a statement, TNI's spokesman Kristomei Sianturi said that gunfire took place on Wednesday morning in the villages of Titigi, Ndugusiga, Jaindapa, Sugapa Lama, and Zanamba between 4 am and 5 am local time.

ALSO READ: Indonesia moves to curb extortion by mass organizations

According to him, the patrol initially aimed at providing healthcare and education services to residents in those villages, but then encountered some armed separatists.

"This operation was carried out in a measured, professional manner, and prioritized the safety of civilians. We will not let the Papuan people live in fear in their homeland," said Sianturi, the military's information department chief.

READ MORE: Indonesia to question more than 500 citizens freed from Myanmar scam centers

He added that several pieces of evidence have also been seized, including some assault rifles, ammunition, communication devices, bow and arrow equipment, and the Bintang Kejora flag, which has been the main symbol of the Free Papua Movement (OPM).

"The TNI is not here to scare the locals, but to protect them from violence and intimidation carried out by armed groups," he said.

READ MORE: Indonesia shuts down 3,000 terrorism-linked social media accounts in 2024

Indonesia's security forces have frequently clashed with Papuan separatists, resulting in casualties on both sides.

The West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB), the armed wing of OPM, has been waging a guerrilla war for decades in pursuit of an independent state, targeting military and police personnel as well as civilians.