Papua New Guinea ambush: More than 60 shot dead in Highlands region

An ambush in Papua New Guinea’s remote Highlands region has claimed the lives of at least 64 individuals. According to a national police spokesman speaking to the BBC, the victims were fatally shot during a tribal dispute in the Enga province over the weekend. 

The Highlands area has long grappled with violence, but these recent killings are regarded as some of the most severe in years. The proliferation of illegal firearms has intensified clashes, escalating the level of danger and perpetuating a cycle of violence.

Authorities began the grim task of retrieving bodies at the site near the town of Wabag, approximately 600 kilometres (373 miles) northwest of the capital, Port Moresby. 

Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary Acting Superintendent George Kakas conveyed to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), “This is by far the largest [killing] I’ve seen in Enga, maybe in all of Highlands as well. We’re all devastated, we’re all mentally stressed out. It’s really hard to comprehend.”