Indonesia deploys troops on PNG border

Indonesia has deployed 1500 troops along its border with Papua New Guinea, prompting fears it could launch raids on suspected rebel bases inside PNG.

The Post-Courier newspaper in Port Moresby reported yesterday that Jakarta had deployed two platoons along the northern sector of the border in recent days following attacks by suspected members of the separatist Free Papua Movement, known as OPM.

The troop buildup has sparked concerns that Indonesia could launch raids into refugee camps and other areas in Papua New Guinea believed to be used as bases by OPM rebels.