Papua Helicopter Attack: New Zealand Pilot Killed Amid Regional Conflict

Gunmen in Indonesia's Papua region killed New Zealand pilot Glen Malcolm Conning after storming his helicopter. While the passengers were released safely, the helicopter was set on fire. Authorities confirmed the attack related to longstanding conflicts between Indigenous Papuans and Indonesian security forces.

Gunmen in Indonesia's restive Papua region stormed a helicopter on Monday, killing its New Zealand pilot, Glen Malcolm Conning, shortly after it landed. The assailants released two health workers and two children who were onboard, according to police reports.

Conning, working for Indonesian aviation company PT Intan Angkasa Air Service, was reportedly shot by members of the West Papua Liberation Army in Alama, a remote village in Central Papua. The gunmen spared the Indigenous Papuan passengers and set the helicopter ablaze, confirmed Faizal Ramadhani, a National Police officer heading the joint security peace force in Papua.

The New Zealand Foreign Ministry confirmed Conning's death late Tuesday. Consular officials in Jakarta are collaborating with local authorities to learn more about the incident. Although such violent incidents are not uncommon due to ongoing conflicts between Indigenous Papuans and Indonesian security forces, this marks the latest attack involving New Zealand nationals in the region.

(With inputs from agencies.)