SYDNEY, Feb 26 (NNN-AAP) – An Australian pilot was released today, after being taken hostage “at gunpoint” in Papua New Guinea (PNG)’s highlands, Australia’s largest national broadcaster reported.
According to Australian Broadcasting Corporation, PNG Police Commissioner, David Manning, confirmed in a statement that the pilot and two local technicians “were taken at gunpoint, by an issue-motivated group” when they undertook a scheduled stop in the vicinity of Mt Sisa, in Tari yesterday afternoon.
“All indications are that the three … remain unhurt even though they are being held captive,” Manning was quoted as saying.
The hostage situation has now been resolved, with all three occupants of the helicopter freed, following a swift police response in the area.
Mt Sisa is located near the border of Hela and Southern Highlands provinces.
In Feb last year, University of Southern Queensland Archaeology professor, Bryce Barker and three local researchers were kidnapped at Fogoma’iu village in Southern Highlands, before being released with no ransom taken.– NNN-AAP
