Between 31 May and 4 June 2026, Indonesian military forces reportedly carried out a series of aerial attacks using unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) in Yuguru Village, Mebarok District, Nduga Regency, Papua Pegunungan province. According to reports received, explosive munitions allegedly dropped from drones (see image) damaged civilian homes, gardens and a church. No civilian casualties were reported in connection with the alleged attacks, although residents reportedly suffered significant damage to their property and livelihoods.

According to information attributed to TPNPB commanders Mayor Yibet Gwijangge and Mayor Soa-Soa Karunggu, the alleged aerial attacks took place repeatedly over five consecutive days between 31 May and 4 June 2026 in and around Yuguru Village. The commanders further alleged that Indonesian military operations involving drones and ground forces had intensified in the area since March 2026. They reported that earlier operations allegedly damaged civilian gardens during an aerial strike near Mount Kemandobo on 15 March, while further drone strikes on 30 April reportedly damaged homes on the outskirts of Yuguru. The reports also state that drone strikes on 18 May targeted TPNPB positions in Yuguru and Kilmid, resulting in the reported deaths of four TPNPB members.

At the time of writing, Human Rights Monitor has not been able to independently verify the allegations concerning the reported drone strikes or the extent of the damage to civilian property. No official response from the Indonesian military regarding the alleged incidents was available in the information reviewed.

If confirmed, attacks affecting civilian homes, places of worship and agricultural land would raise serious concerns under international humanitarian law. Parties to an armed conflict must at all times distinguish between civilians and combatants and between civilian objects and military objectives, and must take all feasible precautions to minimise incidental harm to civilians and civilian property. Human Rights Monitor calls for an independent and impartial investigation into the reported incidents and urges all parties to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law.

Source: https://humanrightsmonitor.org/case/alleged-drone-strikes-damage-civilian-homes-and-gardens-in-nduga