Clashes broke out on Monday between students, civilians, and security forces in Indonesia’s Papua region during protests calling for the withdrawal of military troops.

A police official said the unrest occurred as hundreds took part in demonstrations amid heightened tensions following a military operation earlier this month.

That operation reportedly left 15 people dead, including women and children, as authorities targeted armed separatist groups.

Papua has long experienced unrest, with local groups seeking independence since its incorporation into Indonesia in 1969 following a UN-supervised vote.