Papua New Guinean police and immigration officers have entered the decommissioned Manus Island detention centre, where around 400 asylum seekers have been resisting attempts to remove them.
The processing centre, run by Australia to handle people seeking to reach the country, was closed last month, and its residents were told to move to other accommodation facilities on the island.
“The early morning action follows repeated deadlines issued – but not enforced – by the PNG government over the three weeks since the centre was shut down,” The Sydney Morning Herald reports.
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About 400 men have refused to leave the detention centre, saying the new accommodation does not have adequate facilities and they feared for their safety, leading to a tense stand-off with officials.
“PNG authorities have cut food, water and electricity and have told the remaining men they are squatters on defence force property,” the ABC says.
There are several reports of violence at the detention centre. Video has emerged showing at least two men lying unconscious during the confrontation.
“Iranian journalist and refugee Behrouz Boochani was arrested as police and immigration officials swept through the camp, destroying furniture, property and food,” reports The Guardian.
Manus Island was one of two processing centres used by the Australian government to detain asylum seekers and refugees who arrived in Australia by boat. It was forced to close the facility after “a PNG court ruled it was unconstitutional”, says the BBC.
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