At least 64 people have been killed in a deadly ambush in Papua New Guinea’s remote Highlands region. The victims were shot dead during a tribal dispute in the Enga province over the weekend, marking one of the worst incidents of violence in the area in recent years. The Highlands region has long struggled with violence, but the influx of illegal firearms has made clashes more deadly and fueled a cycle of violence.
The ambush took place near the town of Wabag, approximately 600km northwest of the capital Port Moresby. Police have started collecting bodies at the scene, and graphic videos and photos purporting to be from the incident have been circulating in media outlets. The images show bodies being loaded onto a truck, highlighting the devastating aftermath of the attack.
Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary Acting Supt George Kakas expressed his shock at the scale of the killings, stating, “This is by far the largest [killing] I’ve seen in Enga, maybe in all of Highlands as well.” The police have been under immense pressure to maintain peace and security in the region, especially with the involvement of multiple tribes in this recent escalation.
Tribal conflicts in Papua New Guinea often arise due to disputes over land and wealth distribution. In fact, last July, Enga province experienced a three-month lockdown due to escalating tribal conflict. During this period, police imposed a curfew and travel restrictions to try to quell the violence. However, it seems that tensions have once again reached a boiling point.
Governor Peter Ipatas revealed that there were warning signs of an impending fight before the ambush occurred. He stated that they had alerted security forces last week to take appropriate action and prevent such an incident from happening. With up to 17 tribes involved in this recent escalation, it is crucial for security forces to step in and maintain peace.
Security remains a significant concern for Papua New Guinea as a whole. Just last month, the government declared a state of emergency after widespread rioting and looting resulted in the deaths of at least 15 people. In response to the recent killings, Australia, one of Papua New Guinea’s closest allies, expressed deep concern. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that they are providing considerable support, particularly in training police officers and ensuring security in the country.
The deadly ambush in Papua New Guinea’s Highlands region highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the country in maintaining peace and security. The influx of illegal firearms has intensified tribal conflicts, leading to devastating consequences. It is crucial for the government and security forces to address these issues and work towards long-term solutions to prevent further loss of life.