An American pilot was killed after a civilian aircraft was attacked in Highland Papua, according to reports from the Associated Press. The aircraft was later set on fire in an incident claimed by an armed separatist group.
The pilot was identified as Nicholas F. Gosselin. The aircraft, operated by PT AMA, was flying from Wamena to the remote Yahukimo region with one pilot and seven passengers on board.
Authorities said communication with the aircraft was lost after it landed. Indonesian officials later confirmed that the pilot had been killed and his body recovered, while security forces launched a search operation for the attackers and the missing passengers.
The West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) claimed responsibility for the attack, alleging the aircraft was being used to support Indonesian military operations. However, that claim has not been independently verified.
Indonesian authorities continue to investigate the incident as search and security operations remain underway in the region.
