Tribal clashes rage

Violence escalates in Papua New Guinea: 64 dead

Patrol near Wabag on February 19(Bild: AFP)

According to police, at least 64 people have been killed in fighting between rival tribes in the highlands of Papua New Guinea. The number of victims could rise even further and "more bodies are expected to be found in the bush".

The bodies were discovered on Sunday evening near the town of Wabag, which lies around 600 kilometers northwest of the capital Port Moresby. Police reported videos and photos allegedly from the scene. They show undressed and bloodied bodies on the side of the road. Several bodies can also be seen on the back of a flatbed truck.

Fighting continues
It is suspected that the incident is linked to a conflict between the Sikin, Ambulin and Kaekin tribes and other ethnic groups. According to police reports, the attackers used various assault rifles, shotguns and homemade firearms. The fighting continued on Monday in the surrounding villages.

Fighting has been raging for centuries
In the highlands of Papua New Guinea, hostile clans have been fighting each other for centuries. Access to automated weapons has increased the death toll and further fueled the violence. The attackers are often extremely brutal and torture, burn or mutilate their victims.

Photos show stripped and bloodied corpses by the roadside.(Bild: AFP, Krone KREATIV)

Lack of resources to contain the conflict
The government has not yet succeeded in containing the violence. The soldiers stationed in the region are outnumbered by the fighters. Behind closed doors, police officers complain that they do not have the necessary resources to cope with this task. Opponents of Prime Minister James Marape's government called on Monday for the police presence to be increased and for the police chief to resign.