- Phillip Mehrtens was released by the rebels
- The pilot was kidnapped on February 7, 2023.
A New Zealand pilot who was taken hostage by rebels in the forests of West Papua has finally been freed after 19 months in captivity.
Phillip Mehrtens was captured by the West Papua New Guinea Liberation Army (TPNPB) after a small commercial plane landed in the mountainous province of Nduga, located in the western half of Indonesian New Guinea, on February 7, 2023.
The 38-year-old man will finally return home to his wife and son after being released in a remote village in central Papua, according to Indonesian authorities.
Mr Mehrtens was flown to police headquarters in the town of Timika, where he underwent a medical assessment. alphabet information.
Indonesian police, who released a photograph of an emaciated Mehrtens with a scruffy beard speaking to officers who secured his release, said he was in good health.
The former Jetstar pilot previously appeared in a chilling hostage video released by West Papuan fighters.
More to come.
New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens (pictured in a ‘proof of life’ video) has been freed by West Papuan rebels after a 19-month ordeal