Jakarta – Gunmen believed to be separatist rebels shot dead two soldiers during an attempt early Friday to steal weapons from a military post in Papua province, the military said.

At least ten people believed to be Free Papua Movement (OPM) rebels staged the attack in the highland town of Wamena and stole about 15 rifles, said district military chief Lieutenant Colonel Masrumsyah.

He said a skirmish broke out after the gunmen opened fire on soldiers who caught them breaking into the armoury. A first sergeant died on the spot whilea first lieutenant died in hospital.

"We are currently investigating this incident and we have every reason to believe that this was carried out by the OPM," Masrumsyah told AFP from Wamena.

He said the attack was believed carried out by an OPM splinter group led by Titus Murib, who operates around the Habema lake area in Wamena.

The military says Wamena is a stronghold of the separatist group, which has several factions.

The district military chief said his troops wounded one rebel and managed to stop them from taking all the weapons. He said they took about 15 rifles.