American Pilot Killed in Attack by Papuan Separatists in Indonesia’s Papua Region

CNA

The American Pilot.

An American pilot was killed after armed separatists attacked a civilian aircraft in Indonesia’s Papua region, local authorities said on Friday, in the latest violence linked to the long-running conflict in the country’s easternmost province.

The victim, identified as Nicholas F. Goselin, was piloting a civilian aircraft operated by an Indonesian aviation company when it landed in a remote area of Papua on Thursday. According to Indonesian officials, fighters from the West Papua Liberation Army (TPNPB) opened fire on the aircraft, killing the pilot before setting the plane ablaze.

Seven passengers on board survived the attack and were later evacuated to safety, authorities said.

The separatist group claimed responsibility for the attack, alleging that the aircraft was being used to support Indonesian military operations in the region. Indonesian officials rejected the claim, insisting the flight was carrying civilians and that no military personnel were on board.

Indonesia’s security forces launched an operation to secure the area and evacuate the survivors, while authorities condemned the attack and vowed to pursue those responsible.

The incident underscores the continuing instability in Papua, where armed separatist groups have waged a decades-long insurgency seeking independence from Indonesia. Clashes between the rebels and Indonesian security forces have periodically escalated, affecting civilians, aid workers and aviation services operating in the remote, mountainous region.

The killing of an American citizen is likely to draw international attention to the security situation in Papua, although there has been no immediate indication of changes to foreign travel guidance or aviation operations.

Investigations into the attack are ongoing.

Sources: AP News, Indonesia, and The Guardian


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