Military vows to hunt down those who shot at PNG soldiers

Papua New Guinea Defence Force soldiers Taurama Barracks, Port Moresby, 2016. Photo: Public Domain

A Papua New Guinea Defence Force Commander says appropriate force will be deployed to deal with those responsible for shooting two soldiers in Enga Province.

The Post Courier reports that Major General Mark Goina said defence force personnel were in the area on routine duty, when it sighted a vehicle of interest.

Upon sighting the soldiers closing in on them, the suspects dismounted their vehicle, and escaped into the bushes with high powered weapons.

Goina said this prompted the troops to pursue further with subsequent clearance and search of the vehicle of interest.

The suspects withdrew, then reinforced and fired at the soldiers.

"During the shootout, two PNGDF personnel were wounded and both were seriously injured."

One underwent urgent surgery.

"It is reported also that the vehicle of interest was the same one that was used during the killing of 11 locals in vicinity of Tole/Kaiap a fortnight ago," said Goina.

"As CDF, I am very concerned about ongoing criminal activities and no respect and adherence to the rule of law in the Enga Province.

"The PNGDF will not sit back and let criminal elements undermine the authority of the state.

"In collaboration with the RPNGC and in accordance with law, we will deploy an appropriate force to deal with those responsible for ambushing the members of the PNGDF on authorised task," he said.