Overview
- Indonesian officials found a burned PT AMA aircraft at a Yahukimo airstrip after a flight from Wamena on Thursday, July 2, and the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) said its fighters shot dead the U.S. pilot named as Nicholas F. Gosselin.
- Authorities say the plane carried one American pilot and seven Papuan passengers but they cannot yet confirm who attacked the aircraft or the pilot’s condition because access to the site is limited.
- Rescue and security teams have been delayed by steep terrain and poor weather so investigators have not reached the scene to verify the separatists’ claim or recover evidence.
- The TPNPB released photos and video showing armed fighters and the Morning Star flag and said the strike was a 'message' accusing some civilian flights of moving Indonesian troops into rebel areas and warning of more attacks.
- The incident follows a rise in deadly attacks on small aircraft in Papua, risks vital supply flights to remote communities, and could prompt diplomatic concern from the United States and changes to civilian air operations in the region.