Australian Pilot and Two Contractors Freed in Papua New Guinea

Released unharmed after kidnapping, the incident underscores the region's ongoing security challenges.

An Australian helicopter pilot and two local contractors were kidnapped in Papua New Guinea's highlands but have been released unharmed.
The trio was taken at gunpoint near Mount Sisa in central Hela Province while working at a remote telecommunications tower.
Police and the army intervened, leading to the kidnappers dropping their demands and allowing the hostages to escape.
The incident highlights ongoing issues of kidnappings and tribal violence in Papua New Guinea's highlands, where hundreds have been killed in recent years.
Prime Minister James Marape has emphasized that crime does not pay, promising harsh consequences for criminals and increased security in the region.