Aircraft Set Ablaze
Indonesian military authorities confirmed on Friday that separatist forces set fire to a missionary aircraft carrying seven passengers after it landed at the Ipdeheik airstrip in Balinggama, Yahukimo, in the Papua Highlands.
Footage shows a small civilian propeller plane parked on a remote dirt runway, with security forces placed on high alert around the area following the incident.
“Based on our initial investigation and coordination with the airline, the aircraft’s planned route was from Wamena to Balinggama, before returning to Wamena,” said Yusuf Sutejo, spokesperson for Indonesia’s joint police-military operations.
“We have confirmed that the incident did indeed occur; however, we have not yet received further information on the condition of the victims,” he added.
Reports say the pilot, identified as US citizen Nicholas F Goselin, was killed in the attack after landing in Highland Papua province on Thursday.
Rebels Claim Responsibility
The West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) claimed responsibility, saying the attack was a ‘message’ to the US and Indonesian governments.
The group said it targeted the aircraft after alleging civilian flights were being used to support Indonesian military operations in the region – a claim the Indonesian military has reportedly denied.
In a statement, TPNPB spokesperson Sebby Sambom said the group had issued an ultimatum banning flights across the area, warning that any aircraft assisting military logistics would be considered a target.
“We immediately fired upon and burned the plane because it had violated the TPNPB ultimatum,” he declared.
Investigation Underway
According to reports, there were seven passengers on board, all of whom were indigenous Papuans.
Authorities said communications with the aircraft were lost shortly after landing, and an investigation is ongoing to determine the full circumstances of the incident and the status of those on board.
The attack follows decades of persistent conflict over independence between the Indonesian government and West Papua’s indigenous population in the resource-rich region.
Cartens Peacekeeping Task Force, via Viory.Video
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