More than 60 dead in tribal violence in Papua New Guinea – Australia worries about Trump’s dirty little secret: the US can do it alone

Police say at least 64 people have been killed in fighting between rival tribes in the highlands of Papua New Guinea. The number of victims could increase further, senior police representative Samson Kua told AFP news agency on Monday. “We believe there are still some bodies in the bush.” Apparently they fell victim to an ambush.

The bodies were discovered on Sunday evening near the town of Wabag, about 600 kilometers northwest of the capital Port Moresby. Police reported videos and photos allegedly from the crime scene. They show naked and bloodied corpses on the side of the road. Several bodies can also be seen in the back of a flatbed truck.

The incident is believed to be related to a conflict between the Sikin, Ambulin and Kaekin tribes. Police said the attackers used a variety of assault rifles, shotguns and homemade firearms. Fighting is believed to be ongoing in a remote area nearby.

Struggling for centuries

In the highlands of Papua New Guinea, warring clans have been fighting each other for centuries. Access to automated weapons has increased the death toll and further fueled violence. The attackers are often extremely cruel and torture, burn or mutilate their victims.

The government has so far failed to contain the violence. The soldiers stationed in the region outnumber the fighters. Police officers complain behind closed doors that they do not have the necessary resources to accomplish this task.

Australia was concerned

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the escalation of violence “very disturbing.” His country is providing “significant support, especially in training police officers and security in Papua New Guinea,” he told the ABC TV channel. Australia recently signed a security deal with Papua New Guinea to help overstretched police combat arms trafficking, drug smuggling and gang violence. “We remain available to provide any support we can,” Albanese said.

Papua New Guinea is located almost 200 kilometers from Australia’s northernmost border. Although the country has large reserves of gas, gold and minerals, human rights organizations estimate that almost 40 percent of the nine million inhabitants still live below the poverty line. (sda/afp)

(sda/afp)