CLASHES in Papua between Indonesian security forces and a rebel group over the weekend saw five independence fighters killed, police and rebel officials confirmed today.

A joint military and police force killed the fighters from the West Papua Liberation Army, the armed wing of the Free Papua Movement, on Saturday in the Serambakon village in Papua Highland province, a police official said.

Security forces seized two assault rifles, a pistol, several arrows, two mobile phones, cash, more than 300 rounds of ammunition and a morning star flag, which is a symbol of the independence movement, according to the official.