New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens has been freed after spending 19 months in captivity, held by rebels in Indonesia’s eastern Papua region. Indonesian authorities confirmed his release on Saturday, bringing an end to a prolonged hostage situation that began on February 7, 2023.
Mehrtens was captured by the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB), a separatist group, shortly after landing his plane in a remote highland region. The rebels demanded independence for Papua, using Mehrtens as leverage in their conflict with the Indonesian government.
Further updates are expected as both New Zealand and Indonesian officials continue to provide information on the case.
Stay connected to UKNIP via Google News
ENJOYED THIS STORY? Choose UKNIP as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.
