6 Mar 2024

PNG mercenaries collecting bullets for next revenge attack

From , 6:04 am on 6 March 2024
This handout picture released by the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary on February 19, 2024 shows officials patrolling near the town of Wabag, 600 kilometres northwest of the capital Port Moresby. Sixty-four bloodied bodies have been found in Papua New Guinea's highlands, police said on February 19, as officers reported ongoing gun battles between rival tribes. (Photo by Handout / ROYAL PAPAU NEW GUINEA CONSTABULARY / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / ROYAL PAPAU NEW GUINEA CONSTABULARY" - NO MARKETING - NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS

This handout picture released by the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary on February 19, 2024 shows officials patrolling near the town of Wabag, 600 kilometres northwest of the capital Port Moresby. Photo: AFP PHOTO / ROYAL PAPAU NEW GUINEA CONSTABULARY

Warning: This story contains details that may be distressing to some listeners.

Tribal warfare in Papua New Guinea's Enga province dating back generations is said to show no signs of easing and considered a complicated problem because of PNG's complex colonial history.

In an interview with RNZ Pacific's Lydia Lewis, one of those who claimed to be one of the killers involved in the massacre has revealed that mercenaries are collecting bullets for the next revenge attack despite the Government issuing more powers to the military.

ABC is reporting a leader of the tribal fights in Papua New Guinea's Enga province and his supporters who were arrested yesterday have been set free after investigations.