Tribal fighting has raged in the highlands of Papua New Guinea for centuries. Now the violence is escalating again and claiming numerous victims.
According to authorities, members of one tribe were on their way to attack a neighboring tribe over the weekend. They apparently fell into an ambush. Prime Minister James Marape has now sent additional security forces to the region to bring the situation under control. The attackers are said to have used assault rifles, shotguns and homemade firearms. There were already signs of escalation last week, said Governor Peter Ipatas.