Pilot search ends in rebels killing six Indonesian soldiers while dozens go missing

A rescue mission to save a New Zealand pilot abducted by rebels ended in catastrophe on the weekend with more deaths and dozens of soldiers going missing.

Half a dozen Indonesian army troops have been killed and 30 are missing after a mission to rescue a captured pilot in Papua saw them ambushed by Rebel gunmen.

About 36 Indonesian soldiers were searching for New Zealand pilot Phillip Mark Mehrtens in Nduga on Saturday when they were attacked by the West Papua Liberation Army, ABC News reported.

Mr Mehrtens was working for Indonesian aviation company Susi Air when he was taken hostage by the rebels in February, with soldiers closing in on his location before they were attacked on the weekend.

Military reports indicated at least six died and 21 ran into the jungle, while one soldier fell into a deep ravine and died.

Forces that tried to save him were then attacked.

Phillip Mark Mehrtens is being held hostage in the Papuan Highlands.

Nine soldiers were being held by the rebels while one had died, a military spokesperson said.

Papua military spokesperson Colonel Herman Taryaman however suspected there could be more casualties.

“It’s still unknown exactly how many Indonesian army troops died and were injured,” Mr Taryaman said.

“We are still searching, but heavy rain, foggy weather and a lack of communication have hampered our search and evacuation efforts.”

Rebel spokesperson Sebby Sambom said the attack was in retaliation of two rebels being killed by Indonesian security forces in March.

Mr Sambom said his troops had killed at least nine Indonesian soldiers in Saturday’s attack and urged the Indonesian government to withdraw its military operations in Papua.

He claimed his offer to negotiate over the abducted pilot with Indonesia and New Zealand had not been responded to.

“Indonesia’s government must stop its security operation in Papua and be willing to negotiate with our leaders under the mediation of a neutral third party from a United Nations agency,” he said.

Indonesian military spokesman Julius Widjojono addressed media after Saturday’s brutal attack. Picture: ADEK BERRY/AFP

First Admiral Julius Widjojono, spokesperson for the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), argued military operations had initially been launched in Papua to avoid mass deaths.

“TNI has never stepped back even once in maintaining our territorial sovereignty. And this is being implemented consistently in Papua,” Mr Widjojono said.

The New Zealand government said the welfare of the captured pilot was its “top priority”. “We’re doing everything we can to secure a peaceful resolution and Mr Mehrtens’ safe release, including working closely with the Indonesian authorities and deploying New Zealand consular staff,” a spokesperson said.

“We are also supporting Mr Mehrtens’ family, both here in Aotearoa and in Indonesia. They have asked for privacy at this incredibly challenging time.”