Tribal bloodshed shines spotlight on instability in strategically vital Papua New Guinea

By ROD McGUIRK
Associated Press

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — A tribal clash in Papua New Guinea’s remote highlands in which at least 26 people were killed has put a growing internal security problem under the microscope in the strategically vital South Pacific island nation that has garnered closer military attention from the United States and China. The rival powers are increasingly keen on striking security pacts with the developing nation whose international significance has grown in tandem with China’s increased regional influence. Tribal warfare has a long history across the country and is becoming more lethal with an influx of illegal modern firearms in the highlands and increasing use of mercenary sharpshooters.