Jakarta: Separatist rebels in Indonesia’s Papua region killed a New Zealand pilot and set his helicopter on fire on Monday, authorities reported.
The incident adds to concerns about another New Zealand pilot, Phillip Mehrtens, who has been held captive by Papuan rebels since February 2023. The helicopter, piloted by 50-year-old Glen Malcolm Conning, was ambushed immediately after landing in the Alama district. Conning had four local passengers on board, who were unharmed in the attack, according to Faizal Ramadhani, leader of a police and military task force in Papua.
“The helicopter carrying four passengers was ambushed upon arrival by the armed criminal group, resulting in the death of the pilot, Mr Glen Malcolm Conning,” Faizal said in a statement. The Free Papua Movement, which has long sought independence from Indonesia, has intensified its campaign against security forces and civilians, accusing them of spying for Indonesian authorities. (DPA)
