Australian Pilot, Passengers Freed After Dramatic Kidnapping in Papua New Guinea

Port Moresby: Three individuals, including an Australian helicopter pilot and two local contractors, were kidnapped at gunpoint in Papua New Guinea’s volatile highlands but have since been freed unharmed, confirmed authorities on Monday. The incident occurred near Mount Sisa in central Hela Province while the trio was working at a remote telecommunications tower.

Police, along with the army, closed in on the area, prompting the assailants to release the captives. The abducted individuals were allowed to return to safety by helicopter after the assailants abandoned their demands. Police Commissioner David Manning stated that local leaders had warned the abductors of potential lethal force to secure the captives’ release.

This incident adds to a string of kidnappings and tribal violence in Papua New Guinea’s highlands, with recent clashes between rival clans resulting in over 50 casualties. In a similar event in 2023, a New Zealand archaeologist and two others were also taken hostage nearby but were eventually released after negotiations, highlighting the region’s security challenges.

The government, facing pressure to address the growing lawlessness, has pledged to deal harshly with the perpetrators. Prime Minister James Marape emphasized that crime does not go unpunished, reiterating the government’s commitment to maintaining law and order in the region.