Indonesian troops recover body of American pilot shot dead by Papua rebels

Indonesian forces have recovered the body of American pilot Nicholas F. Gosselin, who was shot dead by separatist rebels in Indonesia’s Papua province.

Gosselin, former Alaska bush pilot, was working for the Indonesian aviation company PT AMA. He was killed shortly after landing his Pilatus PC-6 aircraft at the remote Ipdeheik airstrip in Balinggama village, Yahukimo regency, on Thursday.

The West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) claimed responsibility, stating that Gosselin had violated an ultimatum banning flights into areas the group considers operational zones. The rebels also burned the aircraft.

Gosselin was reportedly transporting humanitarian supplies to remote Papuan villages.