by Police in Papua New Guinea have launched a rescue mission to find a kidnapped Australian academic and four other local researchers.
The Australian archaeologist was among the group carrying out fieldwork in the border region of Southern Highlands, Hela and Western Provinces in PNG when 20 armed men took them hostage on Sunday.
Their captors are demanding $1.4 million for their release.
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PNG Police Commissioner David Manning said today the gang were “opportunists” and described the situation as “delicate”.
“Our specialised security force personnel will use whatever means necessary against the criminals, up to and including the use of lethal force, in order to provide for the safety and security of the people being held,” Manning said.
Earlier, PNG authorities said they had been in contact with the armed gang through a third party.
Officials said the Australian was in good health and the abductors had extended their initial ransom deadline.
Manning said the kidnappers could choose “a way out” while warning that “failure to comply and resisting arrest could cost these criminals their lives”.
He also stressed the safety of the hostages was a top priority for security forces.
“Our specialised security force personnel will use whatever means necessary against the criminals, up to and including the use of lethal force, in order to provide for the safety and security of the people being held,” Manning said.
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PNG Prime Minister James Marape confirmed yesterday in a press conference several people, including an Australian, had been taken hostage.
“Unfortunately as of last night one Australian as well as a couple of Papua New Guineans were taken hostage in the middle of the Southern Highlands,” Marape said.
He said negotiations were underway and he was “prayerful” about their release.
“I want to inform the families of those taken hostage that we have been at work and contact has been made with people in the bush through secondary sources,” Marape said.
9news.com.au contacted the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for comment.
