New Zealand pilot confirms safety in hostage video released by Papuan fighters.
New Zealand pilot Philip Mehrtens, who was kidnapped by separatist fighters in Indonesia's Papua region, has appeared in a video saying he is "alive and well." In the video, he called on the Indonesian authorities to stop ongoing airstrikes in the Nduga Regency where he is being held, saying the attacks could put his life as well as others at risk. The West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) called on the New Zealand government to mediate and initiate negotiations for Mehrtens' release and urged Indonesian authorities to stop its military operations in Papua.