Indonesian military evacuates US pilot's body from Papua attack site

Indonesian military forces have deployed three aircraft to evacuate the body of a US pilot who was killed in Papua, an incident attributed to an armed criminal group (KKB).

Nicholas F Goselin, the pilot of a PT AMA Air plane, was the victim of an attack and subsequent burning of his aircraft at the Ipdeheik Airport in Yahukimo Regency, Papua Mountains. The Koops TNI Habema security unit dispatched three helicopters to retrieve the 29-year-old American pilot's remains. The team departed from Timika early Friday morning, with hopes for a safe and smooth evacuation process.

While the exact cause of death is pending confirmation, initial reports suggest Goselin was shot by KKB members. The group also reportedly set fire to the Pilatus aircraft, flight number PK-RCY, which was carrying seven passengers from Wamena to Balinggama. Fortunately, all seven passengers, identified as indigenous Papuans, are reported to be safe and unharmed.

Prior to the evacuation, Koops TNI Habema conducted a swift operation to secure the airport and perform tactical search and rescue. The operation involved 10 personnel and two Caracal helicopters, navigating the challenging mountainous terrain. The Deputy Commander of Koops TNI Habema, Brig. Gen. Riyanto, expressed deep condolences to Goselin's family and reaffirmed the unit's commitment to maintaining security in the region, prioritizing victim rescue, location security, community protection, and supporting law enforcement against the perpetrators.