New Zealand news office, RNZ Pacific, reported that the Indonesian Military and Police have begun their hostage rescue operation in Nduga, Papua Mountains around 01:00 midnight on March 23rd, 2023.
This rescue operations was carried out in an effort to free the Susi Air pilot, Philip Mehrtens, who is from New Zealand. It was already 50 days since he was held hostage by the rebels. The hostage was taken as a the negotiation subject for the rebels with the Indonesian Government.
On their official statement, the rebels confirmed that the Indonesian Military and Police have made their attempt to rescue the hostage and stated that Indonesia have violate the wish of New Zealand who seek to resolve this issue peacefully.
The rebel also confirmed that one of their member died due to the operations. However, they stated that they have avenged the fallen member by shooting four Indonesian security members near mosque during Taraweh prayer, killing two of the four.
An observer from Human Right Watch (HRW) Indonesia, Andreas Harsono, confirmed the operation done by the Indonesian security forces. He stated that he got this information from the police and several figures in Papua.
“The operations began on, what I could have said, the Headquarters of the West Papua National Liberation Army. I think the HQ is one of their hideout in the lush jungle and the operations was held on Thursday, March 23rd, at 01:00 a.m,” says Andreas.
There are also several clashes between Indonesian security forces and the rebels for almost a week in Papua Mountains.