PNG Police Kill Seven Armed Kidnappers, Rescue Hostage in Western

Seven armed men have been killed and one hostage rescued during a dawn police operation in PNG’s Western Province after a group allegedly abducted two women and demanded a K150,000 ransom.

The confrontation occurred at Haiyafuli village in the Bedamuni rural area near Mogulu in Middle Fly District, where police tracked the suspected kidnappers before moving in early Saturday morning.

 PNG Police Dawn Raid Leaves Seven Armed Kidnappers Dead in Western Province

Border Commander Acting Commissioner of Police Steven Francis told local media that North Fly police launched the operation at about 6.30am after tracking the armed group from Fuma village.

Police had been inserted at Uruamabi on Saturday, September 5, before officers travelled on foot to Fuma and continued towards Haiyafuli, where the suspects were believed to be holding the women.

Francis said police maintained surveillance overnight before making their move after one of the hostages managed to put some distance between herself and her captors.

He said the suspects opened fire when they became aware of the police presence, resulting in an exchange of gunfire.

"Police were inserted at Uruamabi on Saturday 5th September. From there they walked all the way to Fuma village and than walk up to Haiyafuli where the gang group were in the early hours of the morning. Upon seeing the police the gang gun fire to police and they exchange fire," he said.

According to Francis, the gang originally consisted of 11 members. Three reportedly travelled towards Komo the previous day and remain at large.

Eight suspects were at Haiyafuli with the two hostages when police carried out the operation.

One suspect was shot dead during the initial exchange, while six others later died after falling from a cliff as they attempted to flee. Another suspect escaped unharmed.

One of the hostages managed to escape during the gunfight and has since been reunited with her family.

The second woman was still inside the house when police entered. Francis said she was attacked and killed by one of the suspects before officers could rescue her.

Police recovered three homemade shotguns and two rounds of ammunition from the scene following the operation.