Jayapura – Suspected Free Papua Movement (OPM) rebels on Wednesday seized a rifle from a police officer patrolling near the Kurilik police post, some 300 meters from the town of Mulia in Puncak Jaya.

The five suspected rebels assaulted First Sgt. Yosafat of the police's elite Mobile Brigade before fleeing with his AK 47 rifle. The assault resulted in the officer receiving six stitches to his head.

Puncak Jaya Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Jacobus Marzuki told The Jakarta Post that Yosafat was patrolling alone about 100 meters from the post at around 5:30 p.m., when five unidentified men attacked him.

Marzuki led a search for the suspects, but was unable to locate the men. "Yosafat's condition is improving after receiving stitches at Mulia Hospital," he said.

Marzuki said the ambush was the work of separatist rebels active in the Mount Kibigama area.