Tag Archives: Hostage

Separatist rebels release New Zealand pilot after 19 months in Indonesia’s Papua region, marking a significant development in the long-running conflict. The pilot, whose identity remains undisclosed, was captured in 2021 while working for a local aviation company. The Free Papua Movement (OPM), a separatist group fighting for independence from …

Separatist rebels free New Zealand pilot who’s been held hostage for over a year in Papua, Indonesian authorities say. This dramatic news brings relief after a long and agonizing period for the pilot’s family and friends. The release marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict in Papua, a region …

New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens freed after more than 18 months in captivity in Indonesia’s Papua marks a significant turning point in a complex situation. Mehrtens, a pilot for a small Indonesian airline, was abducted by the West Papua National Liberation Army (WPNA) in February 2022. His release, following months …

NZ pilot Phillip Mehrtens freed by rebels in Papua ‘safe and well’ marks a significant moment in the ongoing conflict between the Indonesian government and the West Papua National Liberation Army (WPNA). Mehrtens, a pilot for a small Indonesian airline, was captured by the WPNA in February 2023 after his …