Body of New Zealand Pilot Recovered After Papua Attack

Indonesian authorities have recovered the body of Glen Malcolm Conning, a New Zealand helicopter pilot thought to be killed in a separatist attack in Papua, the officials stated on Tuesday. Conning, employed by PT Intan Angkasa Air Service, was shot dead on Monday by alleged members of the West Papua Liberation Army shortly after landing in Alama, Central Papua. The attackers, led by Egianus Kogoya from Nduga district, released all six passengers, including health workers and children, according to Cartenz Peace Taskforce spokesperson Bayu Suseno.

Security forces located Conning's body on Tuesday inside his helicopter on Alama's runway. Bad weather had delayed their efforts on Monday. Authorities also evacuated 13 people, mainly teachers and health workers, from Alama due to safety concerns. Conning's remains were flown to Timika for an autopsy. "We strongly condemned this inhumane killing," declared Lt. Gen. Richard Tampubolon, emphasizing Conning's humanitarian contributions to remote Papuan communities.

The incident highlights the escalating tensions in Papua, Indonesia's easternmost region, with ongoing separatist conflicts since its contentious incorporation in 1969. Egianus Kogoya, also involved in the 2023 abduction of pilot Philip Mark Mehrtens, has demanded Papua's sovereignty. Mehrtens remains in captivity. West Papua Liberation Army spokesperson Sebby Sambom labeled the attack area a no-fly zone, blaming the pilot for ignoring warnings. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)