Papua New Guinea ambush: Dozens shot dead in Highlands region

PAPUA NEW GUINEA: Dozens of people have died in a tribal dispute in Papua New Guinea’s remote Highlands region, authorities say.

The victims were shot dead during an ambush in the Enga province over the weekend, a national police spokesman told the BBC.

The Highlands area has long struggled with violence, but these killings are believed to be the worst in years.

An influx of illegal firearms have made clashes more deadly and fuelled a cycle of violence.

Authorities initially said at least 64 people have died. But later reports said they had miscounted and revised the toll down to 26. The BBC has asked the Papua New Guinea police for confirmation.

Police started collecting bodies at the scene near the town of Wabag – roughly 600km (373 miles) northwest of the capital Port Moresby.

“This is by far the largest [killing] I’ve seen in Enga, maybe in all of Highlands as well,” Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary Acting Supt George Kakas told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).

“We’re all devastated, we’re all mentally stressed out. It’s really hard to comprehend.”