Bloodshed, deaths as rival tribes clash in Papua New Guinea's Highlands

In a horrifying escalation of violence between long-standing rival tribes, sixty-four bloodied bodies were discovered strewn along a remote stretch of road in Papua New Guinea’s highlands. The victims, believed to be tribal fighters, fell prey to a brutal ambush by a rival group in the early hours of Sunday near the town of Wabag, approximately 600 kilometers northwest of the capital, Port Moresby.

The graphic scene unfolded as stripped and bloodied bodies lay by the roadside and were piled on the back of a flatbed truck. Some victims bore hacked limbs and were left naked with beer bottles or cans strategically placed on their chests, highlighting the ruthlessness of the attack.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Samson Kua reported ongoing gunfights in nearby valleys, with bodies still being recovered from the bushland. Kua revealed that a variety of weapons, including SLR, AK-47, M4, AR15, and M16 rifles, pump-action shotguns, and homemade firearms, were used in the onslaught, emphasizing the gravity of the conflict.

The province’s acting police commander, Patrick Peka, suggested that many of the deceased were mercenaries, individuals who roam the countryside offering their services to help tribes settle scores with rivals. Peka lamented the challenges faced by law enforcement, citing the supply of arms and ammunition by leaders and educated elites as contributing factors.

Efforts by Papua New Guinea’s government to curb the violence, including suppression, mediation, gun amnesties, and other strategies, have yielded little success. Despite deploying around 100 troops to the area, the military’s impact remains limited, leaving security services outnumbered and outgunned.

The gruesome killings, often characterized by extreme violence, have targeted civilians, including pregnant women and children, in remote communities. Critics point to the inadequacy of resources within the police force, alleging that some weapons used in the attacks originated from the very law enforcement meant to protect citizens.

Amid the deepening tribal rivalries exacerbated by population growth, Prime Minister James Marape’s government faces opposition calls for increased police deployment and the resignation of the force’s commissioner. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese labeled the incident as “very disturbing,” pledging considerable support for training police officers and maintaining security in Papua New Guinea.