Australian pilot, two others kidnapped in Papua New Guinea

Port Moresby: An Australian pilot was kidnapped from a telecommunications site in Papua New Guinea's remote highlands on Monday, alongside two local workers.

The restive highlands have in recent years been the site of several kidnappings and tribal violence, where hundreds have been killed.

The incident occurred near Papua New Guinea's Mount Sisa in Hela province.

Papua New Guinea police commissioner David Manning said that the three were kidnapped at gunpoint by an armed group. Their release, safe and unharmed, followed several hours of negotiations, he added.

Papua New Guinea police had initially been cleared to use lethal force against the kidnappers.

Police later announced the trio were released unharmed.