Yahukimo. An armed separatist group in Indonesia's eastern Papua region has claimed responsibility for the killing of an American pilot and the burning of a missionary aircraft, escalating security concerns in one of the country's longest-running conflicts.

The West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Movement (TPNPB-OPM) said its fighters shot dead Nicholas F. Goselin, a 29-year-old American pilot working for Associated Mission Aviation (AMA), after his aircraft landed at Ipdeheik Airstrip in Yahukimo Regency, Highland Papua, on Thursday.

The group also claimed responsibility for setting fire to the Pilatus PK-RCY aircraft operated by AMA.

TPNPB spokesperson Sebby Sambom said the attack was carried out because the aircraft allegedly violated what the group described as a "flight ban" over areas it considers its military operational zone.

The separatists accuse civilian aviation operators of assisting Indonesian security forces by transporting troops and military supplies into remote areas of Papua, allegations that have long been denied by the government.

Elkius Kobak, commander of the TPNPB's Yahukimo regional command, said he had ordered the attack as part of what the group calls a wartime emergency in the region.

"The shooting of the American pilot is a consequence of the Indonesian government's failure to resolve the root causes of the Papua conflict, which has continued for 64 years," Kobak said in a statement.

The Indonesian military condemned the attack and launched a special operation on Friday to recover the pilot's body and secure the remote airstrip.

According to the Habema Operational Command, a 10-member tactical team supported by two Caracal helicopters successfully evacuated Goselin's body from the mountainous area before flying it to Timika. Authorities said the remains would later be transferred to Jakarta.

"We express our deepest condolences to the victim's family," Deputy Commander of the Habema Operational Command Brig. Gen. Riyanto said in a statement.

"Our priorities are to evacuate the victim, secure the area, protect local communities and support law enforcement efforts against those responsible. The evacuation was carried out safely, quickly and professionally."

Military spokesman Lt. Col. M. Wirya Arthadiguna said security forces are continuing search operations to locate the attackers while maintaining protection for remote air services in Papua.

The attack occurred shortly after the aircraft arrived from Wamena carrying seven local passengers.

According to the Indonesian military, the Pilatus aircraft departed Wamena at 6:30 a.m. local time and landed at Ipdeheik Airstrip 16 minutes later. About four minutes after landing, armed men opened fire, killing Goselin before setting the aircraft ablaze.

The seven passengers—all local residents—escaped unharmed.

Lt. Gen. Lucky Avianto, commander of the Joint Regional Defense Command III, said all passengers had safely returned to their homes.

He also thanked local community and religious leaders in Balinggama village for helping protect the passengers and assisting security forces during the evacuation.

Indonesia's Ministry of Transportation said communication with the aircraft ceased shortly after the pilot reported landing safely.

Authorities have since tightened security around remote civilian airstrips across Highland Papua, where small aircraft remain the primary means of transporting passengers, food and medical supplies to isolated communities.

The US State Department said it was closely monitoring developments and coordinating with Indonesian authorities and the victim's family.

"We are aware of reports of the death of a U.S. citizen in Papua and are closely monitoring the situation with Indonesian authorities," the department said in a statement.

"There is no higher priority than the safety and security of US citizens overseas."

The attack also recalls one of the conflict's most high-profile hostage crises. In February 2023, New Zealand pilot Philip Mark Mehrtens, who was flying for Susi Air, was taken hostage by TPNPB fighters after landing in Nduga Regency. He was released in September 2024 after nearly 19 months in captivity.

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