- Phillip Mehrtens has been released by rebels
- The pilot was kidnapped on February 7, 2023
A New Zealand pilot held hostage by rebels in the forests of West Papua has finally been released after 19 months in captivity.
Phillip Mehrtens was captured by the West Papua Liberation Army (TPNPB) on February 7, 2023 after a small passenger plane ran aground in the mountainous province of Nduga, in the western part of New Guinea in Indonesia.
According to Indonesian authorities, the 34-year-old man will finally return home to his wife and son after he was released in a remote village in central Papua.
Mr Mehrtens was flown to a police station in the town of Timika, where he underwent a medical assessment. ABC defeated.
More coming soon.
New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens (pictured in a ‘proof of life’ video) has been freed by West Papuan rebels after a horrific 19-month ordeal
