"Papua New Guinea Declares State of Emergency After Deadly Riots"

Papua New Guinea's prime minister declared a state of emergency and suspended government and police officials after 16 people were killed in rioting sparked by a police and public sector protest over a pay cut. The protests descended into lawlessness, with nine people killed in the capital, Port Moresby, and seven in Lae. Prime Minister James Marape suspended the chief of police and top bureaucrats while a review is conducted, and 1,000 military personnel are on standby to prevent further unrest. The United States Embassy reported tensions remaining high, and several Chinese citizens were injured in the violence. Australia is monitoring the situation and has not received any requests for help from Papua New Guinea.