Papua: as a minimum one killed in hunt for kidnapped NZ pilot Philip Mehrtens

At the least one Indonesian soldier has been killed in a insurrection assault whilst attempting to find a kidnapped New Zealand pilot within the Papua area, officers say.

Rebels later claimed 9 soldiers have been shot useless inside the conflict, whilst the associated Press mentioned army sources that placed the demise toll at six.

The troops were part of a detachment sent to find Phillip Mehrtens, who become taken hostage in February.

Papua rebels were seeking independence from Jakarta for decades.

The Indonesian troops were attacked on Sunday while attempting to find Mr Mehrtens close to a separatist stronghold inside the mountainous Nduga district, the navy stated.

Gunmen shot a soldier who fell right into a 15m-deep ravine, then released a 2nd attack whilst troops have been getting better the frame, First Admiral Julius Widjojono told newshounds.

“The circumstance of the opposite squaddies who are unfold in numerous places remains unknown,” he brought.

The West Papua country wide Liberation navy (TPNPB) claimed obligation for the attack, which it said turned into launched to deter military efforts to rescue Mr Mehrtens.

“The United nations and the new Zealand government have an duty to push Indonesia to stop the navy operation,” revolt spokesman Sebby Sambom stated in a assertion.

The 37-yr-antique pilot became captured shortly after landing his unmarried-engine aircraft in Nduga to drop off passengers.

A video of Mr Mehrtens surrounded by using heavily armed men turned into later released by rebels, who have said they may release him if Papua is granted independence.

A TPNPB spokesman previously informed the BBC Mr Mehrtens became being held in a remote riot stronghold, and would be used as “leverage” in negotiations.

The group stated he become focused because of New Zealand’s army co-operation with Indonesia.

Independence-in search of rebels have formerly issued threats and attacked plane which they accept as true with are wearing employees and elements for Jakarta.

The region is split into two provinces, Papua and West Papua. it’s miles become independent from unbiased Papua New Guinea.

previously a Dutch colony, West Papua declared independence in 1961. however Indonesia took over two years later and turned into formally given manage in a UN-supervised vote in 1969.

The UN vote is extensively taken into consideration illegitimate as handiest about 1,000 Papuans took component in it. A seasoned-independence motion started quickly afterwards, which continues to this present day.

Conflicts between indigenous Papuans and the Indonesian government are common, with separatist combatants increasing their assaults considering that 2018.