Tribal violence intensifies in Papua New Guinea as mercenaries and automatic weapons worsen the situation on the island nation.
A gang of 30 young men brutally killed at least 26 men, women, and children in three remote villages in the north of Papua New Guinea. Homes were burned, and survivors are too frightened to identify the attackers, who are still at large.
United Nations Human Rights Commissioner Volker Turk confirmed that the attack, motivated by a land dispute, left over 50 dead with 16 children among the casualties. The violence reflects the long-standing tribal warfare in the country, exacerbated by population growth and resource scarcity.
Cycle of violence
Papua New Guinea has faced escalating violence in recent years, with incidents like the February ambush in Enga province and the May clashes between rival tribes. Governor Allan Bird highlighted the worsening law enforcement and the lack of accountability, empowering criminals to continue their actions.