The Minister for Police, Peter Tsiamalili Jnr has confirmed that a joint security operation that was carried out in the Tsak Valley in Enga Province, was targeting illegal high-powered firearms that were posing serious threat to public safety and national security.
In a recently released press statement, the Minister said the intelligence-led operation was conducted on January 2nd and involved Police and Defence personnel acting on information about the presence of factory-made military grade weapons within civilian communities.
He said security forces encountered armed resistance during the operation, resulting in the fatal wounding of two suspects who were each armed with M16 assault rifles.
One member of the security forces was also shot during the exchange and later received medical treatment. The officer is now recovering.
The Minister expressed regret over the loss of life but emphasized that the presence of such weapons in civilian areas represents a grave and unacceptable risk to peace, safety, and national stability. He said military grade firearms have no place in Papua New Guinea society.
According to the operational summary cleared for release, coordinated operations were carried out at two separate locations in Tsak Village during the early hours of the morning.
At the first location, a suspect opened fire from inside a residence, wounding an officer. Security forces returned fire in what the Minister described as a proportionate response to an immediate threat.
At the second location, another armed suspect was encountered and fatally wounded after posing what authorities assessed as a direct danger to personnel on the ground. Additional illegal firearms were recovered during the operation.
Three other suspects were arrested and remained in lawful custody. They have since been transported to Mendi, where they are expected to face charges relating to illegal weapons possession and other criminal offences.
The Minister said security personnel also came under sustained fire during their withdrawal from the area, with armed individuals positioned on higher ground deliberately obstructing exit routes.
Reinforcements from the Papua New Guinea Defence Force were deployed to secure a safe extraction.
Investigations are continuing to determine how the weapons entered the area and to identify networks involved in the trafficking and supply of illegal firearms.
The Minister said the operation forms part of broader national efforts to disrupt the flow of weapons contributing to violence and instability.
He commended the conduct of police and Defence personnel involved, stating they acted within established rules of engagement and in response to imminent threats to life.
The Minister also called on leaders, commentators, and the public to act responsibly when discussing matters of national security, warning that unverified or misleading information could inflame tensions and undermine confidence in security institutions.
