UNPol in East Timor Security Briefing 02 July 2007

This is a broadcast of the UN Police in Timor-Leste to provide you with information about the security situation around the country.

The security situation across the country has generally been calm.

Today in Dili, UNPol were required to attend only two incidents. One was a fight between two groups in Bairo Pite at around 1545hrs, which UNPol rapidly brought under control. Two people were injured in the fight and were taken to Bairo Pite clinic.

There were four incidents yesterday in which shots were fired, although there were no injuries  and in each case the situation quickly returned to normal.

Yesterday in Ermera shortly before midday, ten people tried to block the road at Aifu village. Upon arrival, UIR officers – the national rapid reaction police force - fiired eight to ten warning shots into the air and arrested one suspect. The remaining suspects ran away.

The second incident took place in Dili at around 1830hrs. A Formed Police Unit in Caicoli reported that they had discharged three rubber bullet warning shots after they were attacked by people throwing rocks.  There were no injuries.

F-FDTL in Home Village, Lospalos, also fired three warning shots last night when they believed themselves to be under attack. Again, there were no injuries. The presence of UNPOL, PNTL and Formed Police Units in the area has been intensified.

Finally, the PNTL District Commander in Liquica reported last night that there had been gunshots heard at Leorema on the border between Liquica and Ermera districts. One house had also been set on fire at Asmanu Village. No injuries were reported.

All four incident areas are now reported as being calm, and UNPol and PNTL are closely monitoring the situation. UNPol, PNTL and Formed Police Units remain deployed and are on stand-by for any post-polling clashes or victory processions. The International Stabilization Forces are also on stand-by, ready to be deployed on request.

The Police advise to avoid traveling during the night to the most affected areas. Report any suspicious activities and avoid traveling the areas affected by disturbances. Call 112 or 7230365 to contact the police 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

This has been a daily broadcast of the UN Police in Timor-Leste, for the people of Timor-Leste.