Two pilots were killed in an armed attack on a small aircraft at an airport in Indonesia’s South Papua province, according to local authorities and international media reports.

The incident occurred at Karowai Airstrip in Boven Digoel Regency, when a small plane operated by Smart Air came under gunfire shortly after landing on Wednesday. The aircraft, registered as PK-SNR, had departed from Tanah Merah and was attacked at around 11:00 a.m. local time, Indonesia’s Antara news agency reported.

Faizal Rahmadani, operations chief of the Damai Cartenz Task Force, confirmed that both the pilot and co-pilot were killed in the shooting. He said initial reports indicated that the aircraft was carrying 13 passengers, whose condition was being assessed following the attack.

International news agencies also reported the incident, confirming that the pilots died at the scene while passengers were able to leave the aircraft. No immediate information has been released regarding civilian casualties among those on board.

Security forces have launched an investigation to determine the identity of the attackers. Authorities have not yet officially attributed the assault to any group, though the Papua region has long experienced sporadic armed violence.

Officials said security measures in the area have been tightened, while efforts are underway to clarify the circumstances surrounding the attack and ensure the safety of air transport in the remote region.

The shooting has once again drawn attention to ongoing security challenges in Indonesia’s easternmost provinces. (ILKHA)