An Australian-based archaeologist and two Papua Latest Guinea nationals have been released from captivity after being taken hostage by an armed group in a distant a part of Papua Latest Guinea several days ago, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Sunday.
“I welcome news from PNG that every one hostages have been released and can soon be reunited with their families,” Wong said on Twitter.
The educational, Bryce Barker, and the opposite hostages were reportedly held at gunpoint by 20 armed men, in line with a neighborhood police report. Police didn’t say when the kidnapping occurred.
Barker is a Latest Zealand national based on the University of Southern Queensland in Australia.
The archaeologist and his research crew were conducting fieldwork within the distant Southern Highlands province of the poor South Pacific island nation after they were taken hostage by the armed group.
Papua Latest Guinea authorities confirmed the discharge of 1 hostage on Friday. The last three hostages — the professor and two Papua Latest Guinea women — have now been freed safely.
Papua Latest Guinea Prime Minister James Marape said the ultimate three hostages were secured “through covert operations” without paying the $993,000 ransom.
“To criminals, there isn’t any profit in crime,” he wrote on Facebook.
Wong thanked the Papua Latest Guinea government for its assist in securing a protected and peaceful resolution.
“Also because of the Australian and NZ officials who helped support this final result,” she said.
