New Zealand Pilot Phillip Mehrtens Released After More Than 19 Months in Captivity

Sep 21, 2024, 07:22 AM

New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens has been released after being held captive for more than 19 months by separatist rebels in Indonesia's Papua region. Mehrtens, a pilot for Susi Air, was kidnapped on February 7, 2023, by the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) after landing a small commercial plane in the remote, mountainous area of Nduga district. Indonesian police confirmed his release, marking the end of a prolonged hostage situation that had drawn international attention.