The West Papua National Liberation Army is claiming responsibility for taking the pilot hostage and setting his small commercial plane alight, saying he will not be released until the Indonesian government recognises the region's independence.
abc.net.au/news/new-zealand-pilot-taken-hostage-by-west-papua-separatist-group/101944306Separatist fighters in Indonesia's Papua region have taken a New Zealand pilot hostage after setting a small commercial plane alight when it landed in a remote highland area on Tuesday.The West Papua National Liberation Army has claimed responsibility for the attack
"We cannot send many personnel there because Nduga is a difficult area to reach. We can only go there by plane," he said. It said the pilot would not be released until the Indonesian government acknowledged the independence of West Papua — which refers to the western side of New Guinea island.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
King Charles snubs Australia with message to New ZealandKing Charles has sent a warm message to New Zealanders and the Maori people on Waitangi Day, highlighting the stark contrast in his relationship with Australia.
Read more »
Fears of worsening egg shortage in New Zealand as fire kills 75,000 hens at farmThere are fears the blaze at the Zeagold facility will exacerbate an egg shortage caused by a ban on battery farming
Read more »
'Means a lot to me': Australia, New Zealand PMs exchange gifts after holding talksAnthony Albanese has revealed the items he gifted Chris Hipkins on the New Zealand Prime Minister's visit to Canberra after copping flak for the choice of music he presented to Jacinda Ardern.
Read more »
‘It’s gut-wrenching’: Woman charged with murder over death of toddler in Melbourne’s westNeighbours have paid tribute to the ‘cheerful little boy’ and laid teddy bears and toys at the property where the three-year-old died on Monday.
Read more »
‘There is nothing left’: earthquake adds to suffering in war-torn SyriaHundreds of deaths already reported and hospitals overwhelmed after quake hits country’s north-west
Read more »