Local human rights defenders reported that the police has launched an operation in the highland regency of Lanny Jaya in order to arrest the local armed resistance (TPN PB) leaders Enden Wanimbo and Purom Wenda. According to the information, joint security forces were deployed in Popome Village of Balingga District on 7 November 2018. The operation was confirmed by various local news outlets and is related to the killing of a motorcycle taxi driver on 2 November 2018 by members of the armed resistance (TPN PB). Exchange of fire between security forces and the TPN PB on 3 November 2018 lead to the death of two TPN PB fighters. Local sources reported that many villagers in the Balingga District feared repressive acts by security forces and fled to Tiom, the main town and administrative center of Lanny Jaya Regency.
