On 19 February 2024, Prime Minister James Marape announced that arrest powers will be granted to military personnel following the latest episode of deadly tribal violence in Papua New Guinea. A special police unit, comprising approximately 200 officers trained in Australia, will also be introduced to combat domestic terrorists. The decision follows the 18 February tribal fighting in the remote northern Enga province that resulted in the deaths of at least 26 people. Papua New Guinea’s police commissioner has announced that the number of casualties is expected to increase.