A small commercial plane was shot at upon landing in Indonesia’s Papua, killing both pilots, while all 13 passengers survived the attack.
JAKARTA: A pilot and co-pilot were killed after unknown assailants opened fire on a small commercial plane landing in Indonesia’s easternmost Papua region.
The Smart Air aircraft, carrying 13 passengers, landed at Korowai airport in Boven Digoel, South Papua province, on Wednesday morning.
Local police spokesman Cahyo Sukarnito said the shooting began after the plane landed, prompting those on board to flee towards a forested area near the airport.
The two pilots were killed in the attack, but all passengers were confirmed safe.
Cahyo said it was unclear who carried out the attack on the Cessna Caravan plane.
He was asked about the possible involvement of Papuan rebel groups but did not confirm their involvement.
A low-level but increasingly deadly battle for independence has simmered between security forces and rebels in resource-rich Papua for decades.
The region was controversially brought under Indonesian control in a UN-overseen vote in 1969.
Smart Air did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the incident.
