Separatist insurgents in Indonesia’s Papua region have fatally shot an American pilot and set his aircraft ablaze, stating their intention to convey a message. The West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) claimed responsibility for the killing of Nicholas F. Gosselin, an Indonesian aviation company PT AMA pilot, upon his arrival in Highland Papua province on Thursday.
Alleging that civilian pilots have been aiding the transportation of Indonesian troops into the area, the separatists indicated that Gosselin’s death was a deliberate message. Contrary to this claim, Gosselin’s friend Kenneth Jagers asserted on social media that Gosselin was on a selfless humanitarian mission and not involved in military activities.
The Indonesian military refuted the separatists’ assertion that the plane was carrying troops, clarifying that the seven passengers onboard were Indigenous Papuan civilians, including three women, who remained unharmed. The conflict between Indigenous Papuans and Indonesian security forces in Papua has escalated in recent times, resulting in numerous casualties among rebels, security personnel, and civilians. Foreign pilots have been specifically targeted by the insurgents.
Indonesia’s civil aviation authority reported no security concerns during Gosselin’s landing, but communication was lost shortly after touchdown. Military spokesperson Wirya Artadiguna confirmed the separatist group’s involvement in the attack and the recovery of the American pilot’s body.
The rebel spokesperson, Sebby Sambom, stated in a release to the Associated Press that the flight breached their ban on civilian aircraft in their claimed operational territories. The Indonesian armed forces, Tentara Nasional Indonesia (TNI), dispatched a 10-person unit from the Habema Operations Command to evacuate Gosselin’s body on July 2.
The joint command involving the Indonesian military and police, Habema Operations Command, is leading the pursuit of those responsible for the pilot’s murder and the aircraft’s destruction. Security forces have initiated a special operation to secure the airfield and are conducting a tactical search-and-rescue mission, according to TNI.
Nick Gosselin’s LinkedIn profile identified him as a pilot in command for Associated Mission Aviation, stationed in Papua, Indonesia, with previous experience as an Alaska pilot.
