Papua separatists claim responsibility for shooting pilot, burning plane

The West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Organization (TPNPB-OPM) has claimed responsibility for the shooting of a pilot and the burning of a plane in the Yahukimo district of Papua Pegunungan on July 2, 2026. The group stated the attack was intended as an ultimatum to halt all Indonesian airline flights in Papua.

Sebby Sambom, spokesperson for the TPNPB-OPM central command, said the attack was carried out by TPNPB militia from Kodap XVI Yahukimo, led by Elkius Kobak. He asserted that 36 TPNPB regional commands had warned airlines against flying in their respective territories. Sambom explained that these flights are frequently used to transport Indonesian military (TNI) soldiers, logistics, and weapons for military operations that harm the Papuan people.

Sambom further blamed the Indonesian government, accusing it of ignoring OPM's warnings about conflict zones. He stated the government's failure to prevent civilian aircraft from entering what the TPNPB declared as war zones is the reason for such incidents. Since December 2024, the TPNPB has designated nine regencies in Papua as war zones, including Nduga, Pegunungan Bintang, Puncak Jaya, Intan Jaya, Maybrat, Paniai, Dogiyai, Deiyai, and Yahukimo.

Kolonel Tri Purwanto, head of information for Kodam XVII/Cenderawaih, confirmed the shooting of the pilot, identified as Nicholas F. Goselin, who held U.S. citizenship. While the pilot died, seven passengers reportedly survived. The full chronology of the incident is still under investigation by joint forces.