New Zealand Pilot Rescued After Long Captivity

Phillip Mehrtens, a New Zealand pilot for Susi Air, has been liberated after being held captive for 19 months by the West Papua National Liberation Army. His abduction at Nduga airport highlighted the ongoing conflict in the region, where indigenous Papuans seek independence from Indonesia.

Following extensive diplomatic negotiations between Wellington and Jakarta, Mehrtens was rescued by the Cartenz Peace Taskforce. Upon his release, he underwent medical and psychological evaluations to ensure his well-being.

The incident has drawn attention to human rights abuses faced by the Papuan people, including violence and displacement. UN experts are calling for urgent humanitarian access to this troubled area, emphasizing the need for international awareness of the ongoing struggles in West Papua.