Overview
- A small PT AMA passenger plane landed at the Ipdeheik airstrip in Yahukimo and separatist fighters attacked, killing American pilot Nicholas F. Goselin and setting the aircraft on fire before troops secured the site.
- Habema Operations Command troops recovered Goselin’s body and evacuated the scene Friday and Indonesian authorities say they are conducting a special operation to pursue those responsible.
- The West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) released video claiming the attack and said the flight violated its ban on civilian aircraft, while Indonesian military officials denied the plane was carrying troops and said seven Papuan passengers were unharmed.
- The strike fits a recent pattern of insurgent attacks on civilian and foreign pilots in Papua that has disrupted supply, fuel and mail flights that serve isolated communities across the highlands.
- The killing could prompt diplomatic scrutiny and operational changes for aid and regional carriers, and it highlights long-running disputes over Jakarta’s control of Papua and rebel claims that civilian flights are used to move military personnel.