- Phillip Mehrtens has been released by rebels
- The pilot was abducted on February 7, 2023
A New Zealand pilot who was taken hostage by rebels in the forests of West Papua has finally been released after 19 months in captivity.
Phillip Mehrtens was seized by the West Papua Liberation Army (TPNPB) after he landed a small commercial plane in the mountainous province of Nduga, found in Indonesia’s western half of New Guinea, on February 7, 2023.
The 38-year-old will finally return home to his wife and son after he was released at a remote village in central Papua, according to Indonesian authorities.
Mr Mehrtens was flown to a police headquarters building in the town of Timika where he has undergone a medical assessment, the ABC reports.
He is in good health according to Indonesian police who released a picture of gaunt Mr Mehrtens with a scraggly beard talking to officers who secured his release.
The former Jetstar pilot previously appeared a chilling hostage video released by the West Papuan fighters.
More to come.
New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens (pictured in a ‘proof of life’ video) has been freed by West Papua rebels after a horror 19-month ordeal
