Separatists In Country Shoot American Dead In Message To US, Group Claims

Separatist rebels in the Papua region of Indonesia killed an American pilot and burned a civilian plane Thursday as a “message” for the U.S. and Indonesian governments, according to a spokesperson.

West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) members shot Nicholas F. Gosselin and set fire to his plane after he landed in the Highland province of Papua Thursday, spokesperson Sebby Sambom said, according to Reuters. The group alleged that civilian pilots have been transporting Indonesian troops into the area and the attack provided “a message,” the BBC reported. The incident is the latest in a decades-long conflict between TPNPB and the Indonesian government.

“We immediately fired upon and burned the plane because it had violated the TPNPB ultimatum,” Sambom said, claiming the group had banned any flights in the area. “We are prepared to fire upon any civilian aircraft across the Land of Papua that assists Indonesian military forces in transporting troops or military logistics.”

Yusuf Sutejo, spokesman for Indonesia’s joint police-military operations in the province, said a burnt plane flown by an American pilot with seven passengers was discoverd at an airport in the Yahukimo region of Papua, according to Reuters. Sutejo did not confirm whether the rebels were responsible or the pilot was dead, but said all passengers were Papuans.

The TPNPB, a group claiming to represent West Papua’s native people, continues to fight for independence for the Papua region, a resource-rich area composed of western New Guinea and other islands. TPNPB’s attacks have increased in both frequency and fatalities recently as they have gained better weapons, Reuters reported. (Read more from “Separatists In Country Shoot American Dead In Message To US, Group Claims” HERE)