In a statement, military official M. Wirya Arthadiguna condemned the killing of eight civilians working in the region as gold miners, adding that the evacuation of their bodies was underway.

The West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB), an armed separatist group, claimed responsibility for the killings in a statement on Thursday, saying the victims were military intelligence officers disguised as gold miners.

TPNPB called on the government to stop sending military officers to Papua disguised as gold miners or taxi drivers.

Arthadiguna denied the rebels’ claim that the victims were security officers, and said authorities were hunting for the perpetrators. He added that Yahukimo was dangerous but under control after the attacks.

Resource-rich Papua, home to the world’s second-largest gold and copper mine, has been beset by a simmering separatist movement since it was brought under Indonesian control following a 1969 vote overseen by the United Nations.