TPNPB Rebels Kill American Pilot Nicholas Gosselin in Papua, Burn Aircraft

Nicholas F. Gosselin, an American pilot flying for Indonesian carrier PT AMA, was shot dead shortly after landing at Ipdeheik airstrip in Balinggama Village, Sobaham District, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Pegunungan Province. The West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB-OPM) claimed responsibility, saying the aircraft violated its ban on civilian flights in territory it considers its operational zone, and alleged such flights are used to ferry Indonesian troops and logistics — a claim the Indonesian military denied, noting seven Indigenous Papuan passengers aboard were unharmed. Rebels burned the aircraft after the shooting; Indonesian security forces recovered Gosselin's body two days later. It is the first American casualty of the Papua conflict and introduces new diplomatic complications for Jakarta.