An American pilot was killed after separatist rebels attacked his aircraft in Indonesia's restive Papua region, with the Indonesian military confirming on Friday that his body has been recovered, reported by Reuters.
According to the report, the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) claimed responsibility for the attack, saying its fighters shot dead Nicholas F.
Military spokesperson Wirya Artadiguna confirmed the attack and said all seven passengers, who were Papuans, survived and returned home safely. Authorities are searching for those responsible.
The TPNPB described the attack as a message to both the Indonesian and U.S. governments over the long-running conflict in Papua and warned of further attacks if civilian flights continue operating in areas controlled by separatist forces, according to Reuters.
Related Tweet:
In Indonesia's resource-rich Papua region, members of the West Papuan Liberation Army say they have killed an American pilot. The incident happened in the remote Ya-hu-kimo district.
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) July 3, 2026
Al Jazeera’s Joel Evans reports. pic.twitter.com/1dmAD120WH
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