At Least 6 Reportedly Killed in Mission to Rescue Abducted New Zealand Pilot

At Least 6 Reportedly Killed in Mission to Rescue Abducted New Zealand Pilot
Indonesian military spokesman Julius Widjojono (2nd L) speaks during a press conference at the military headquarter in Jakarta on April 16, 2023. Adek Berry/AFP via Getty Images
Rebecca Zhu
Updated:

At least six Indonesian soldiers have been reportedly killed during a mission to rescue New Zealand pilot Philip Mark Mehrtens, who was abducted by armed separatist group West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) in February.

Army reports said 36 troops were stationed at a post in the district of Nduga when gunmen from the TPNPB opened fire on Saturday, AP reported.