A group of former military strategists have warned the Government that Papua New Guinea ‘is not insulated’ from the conflict in the Middle East between the USA, Israel and Iran, and remains utterly exposed because of the Lombrum Naval Base in Manus.
Papua New Guinea Flag Officers League president retired Major General Jerry Singirok and Pacific Island Regiment Veterans League president Peter Ilau have urged the Government to take a neutral stand in the current conflict.
The leagues warned that the United States’ ongoing investment in Lombrum, with a broader U.S security commitment to PNG valued at over US$864 million (about K3.7b) over ten years, ensured PNG was a strategic military transit and operational base for threats in the South West Pacific and South East Asia.
The joint PNG-Australia-United States naval facility in Manus was recently refurbished for over US$135 million (about K589m).
The United States and Israel’s coordinated military campaign against Iran, designated Operation Epic Fury, has already killed Iran’s supreme leader and triggered widespread missile and drone strikes across the Middle East.
Iranian forces have retaliated with nearly 400 ballistic missiles and 800 drones targeting US military installations in Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and the UAE, Israel, as well as civilian infrastructure including hotels in Dubai and the US Embassy in Riyadh.
“Iran has already demonstrated the will and capability to strike any nation hosting US military assets,” the leagues said.
“Gulf Cooperation Council countries despite their geographic proximity to Washington’s allies — have suffered strikes on their bases and civilian infrastructure.
“While Papua New Guinea is geographically distant, the principle of escalation to a global ‘war of bases’ cannot be dismissed if this conflict broadens further.
“The Government of Papua New Guinea must ensure clearly and publicly that Lombrum, Komo, Jacksons and Nadzab airfields or any other facility on our sovereign soil is not being used, directly or indirectly, as a staging ground for active combat operations in this or any related theatre”.
Lombrum is one of six facilities in Papua New Guinea to which US personnel have unimpeded access under the Defence Cooperation Agreement signed in 2023.
Under the agreement, the US is allowed to use three airports, two ports and one naval base for training, transit and pre-position equipment, supplies and materials.
The leagues called on the government to be neutral, consistent with the country’s constitution and the ‘Friends to All, Enemies to None’ doctrine.
“Oil prices have risen and the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, disrupting shipping and global travel,” the leagues said.
“Thousands of travellers are stranded and the crisis could last weeks or longer with potential economic consequences for Papua New Guinea.”
The leagues said the operation was launched without United Nations Security Council authorisation and may breach international law.
“Papua New Guinea’s constitution commits the country to peaceful relations and sovereignty. For that reason, we are calling on the government to issue a formal neutrality statement and avoid involvement in the conflict.”
The leagues recommended engaging the Pacific Islands Forum for a collective Pacific voice to call for immediate ceasefire, reopening international shipping lanes, and a return to diplomatic negotiation.
