Papua Separatist Rebels Kill New Zealand Helicopter Pilot

Separatist rebels in Papua, Indonesia killed a New Zealand helicopter pilot shortly after landing, while four passengers onboard were unharmed. This incident follows the abduction of another New Zealand pilot, Phillip Mehrtens, by the same group, who remains captive. The West Papua National Liberation Army has not confirmed the recent killing.

Separatist rebels in Indonesia's easternmost region of Papua on Monday killed a helicopter pilot from New Zealand, according to the police. Authorities confirmed that four passengers aboard the aircraft were safe.

The pilot was reportedly killed immediately after the helicopter landed in an isolated area and the rebels rounded up those on board, police said. This incident comes nearly 18 months after another New Zealand pilot, Phillip Mehrtens, was abducted by the same group and is still in captivity.

The responsible faction for Monday's incident in the Alama district of Central Papua province is believed to be part of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB). A spokesperson for TPNPB mentioned they haven't received any reports about the killing, making it unconfirmed as of now. The New Zealand government continues to call for Mehrtens' release. The New Zealand foreign ministry and its embassy in Jakarta have yet to comment on Monday's event.