Police: Papua separatists fatally shoot NZ helicopter pilot in Indonesia

In a tragic incident, separatist rebels in Papua, Indonesia, killed a helicopter pilot from New Zealand. The pilot, Glen Malcolm Conning, was shot to death after landing in a remote village in central Papua province. Fortunately, the four passengers onboard the aircraft, who were local residents of Alama village, were unharmed.

The gunmen responsible for the attack were allegedly members of the West Papua Liberation Army, the armed wing of the Free Papua Movement. This incident comes nearly 18 months after another New Zealand pilot, Phillip Mehrtens, was abducted and remains in captivity by the same rebel group.

The ongoing conflict in Papua has escalated, with separatist fighters acquiring better weaponry and launching deadlier attacks. The Indonesian military has also faced accusations of human rights violations against Papuan civilians.

Despite calls for his release, Mehrtens remains captive, with the TPNPB seeking mediation through released videos. The New Zealand government has been actively involved in efforts to secure his freedom. This tragic incident highlights the ongoing struggle for independence in Papua, Indonesia.

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