Papua New Guinea ambush: Dozens shot dead in Highlands region

Papua New Guinea ambush: Dozens shot dead in Highlands region

Authorities report that dozens of individuals have lost their lives in a tribal clash within Papua New Guinea’s remote Highlands region, according to a national police spokesperson who spoke with the BBC.

The victims fell victim to gunfire during an ambush in the Enga province over the weekend.

Violence has long plagued the Highlands area, but these recent killings are believed to be the most severe in years. The influx of illegal firearms has escalated clashes, making them more lethal and perpetuating a cycle of violence.

Initially, authorities stated that at least 64 casualties had occurred. However, subsequent reports indicated a miscount, revising the toll down to 26. The BBC has sought confirmation from the Papua New Guinea police.

Police initiated body recovery efforts at the site near the town of Wabag, approximately 600km (373 miles) northwest of the capital, Port Moresby.

Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary Acting Superintendent George Kakas, speaking with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), expressed shock at the scale of the incident, stating, “This is by far the largest [killing] I’ve seen in Enga, maybe in all of Highlands as well. We’re all devastated, we’re all mentally stressed out. It’s really hard to comprehend.”

Media outlets report that police have received graphic videos and photos purportedly from the scene, depicting bodies being loaded onto a truck.

Tensions in the region, often rooted in disputes over land and wealth distribution, led to a three-month lockdown in Enga last July, during which police imposed curfews and travel restrictions.

In August of last year, violence gained international attention following the circulation of graphic footage showing three deceased individuals.

Governor Peter Ipatas informed ABC that there were warning signs of impending conflict preceding the ambush. With up to 17 tribes involved in the recent escalation, maintaining peace ultimately falls to the security forces, he emphasized.

“From a provincial perspective, we knew this fight was going to be on, and we [alerted] the security forces last week to make sure they took appropriate action to ensure this didn’t occur.”

Security more broadly remains a key concern for PNG. The government last month declared a state of emergency after major rioting and looting left at least 15 people dead.

Australia – one of the country’s closest allies – said news of the killings was “very disturbing”.

“We’re providing considerable support, particularly for training police officers and for security in Papua New Guinea,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a radio interview on Monday.