Separatist rebels in Indonesia's Highland Papua region shot an American pilot and set a civilian aircraft on fire, according to local reports.
The attack occurred in the Yahukimo area, where the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) claimed responsibility for the assault on the PT AMA-operated aircraft.
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The plane had arrived from Wamena carrying seven Papuan passengers. TPNPB spokesperson Sebby Sambom identified the pilot as Nicholas F.
Gosselin.
Sambom said fighters torched the plane immediately after it touched down, accusing the aircraft of frequently dropping Indonesian military personnel and violating the TPNPB's ultimatum.
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Rebels Issue Warning
Sambom stated the ambush in the Balinggama district served as a direct warning regarding unresolved geopolitical tensions between state military forces and the local armed resistance.
He criticized the Indonesian government for failing to address the root causes of the conflict in Papua between the Indonesian military and the TPNPB.
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Indonesian joint police-military operations spokesperson Yusuf Sutejo confirmed discovering the incinerated plane at the airport but could not verify the pilot's death or an active rebel assault.
