Bus Ambush in Papua New Guinea Kills Seven

In Papua New Guinea's Enga Province, a violent ambush on a public bus resulted in at least seven fatalities and numerous missing individuals, reigniting fears of escalating tribal warfare. The attack, carried out by armed assailants in Lagaip district, involved more than 20 passengers and occurred as the bus was traveling near the Porgera mine. Assistant Police Commissioner Joseph Tondop described the ambush as chaotic, with gunmen firing indiscriminately, leading to the deaths of the bus driver and six male passengers. Authorities suspect the incident may be linked to a personal grievance involving a passenger and is part of a broader pattern of inter-clan violence exacerbated by the availability of sophisticated weapons. A search operation is underway for the missing passengers, as local police express concerns over the safety of public transport in the region. The violence reflects longstanding tribal conflicts, often tied to issues like illegal mining, that have caused significant casualties and disruptions in the area.