UNPol in East Timor Security Briefing 16 August 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 in Timor-Leste is still tense.

United Nations police officers (UNPol) in conjunction with the national police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) and the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) remain fully deployed to respond to any disturbances that may occur.

Early this morning in Dili, a security guard was shot in the leg whilst on duty in Delta-2. The facts are still being established, but it is believed that the house he was guarding was being attacked by unknown assailants at around 0150hrs and that, to scare off the assailants, the resident of the house fired a warning shot which ricocheted off the ground and struck the security guard. UNPol have taken the victim to Dili hospital. Police are investigating.

Last night in Lautem, three masked man set fire to a primary school in Bauro village and attacked two security guards. Police extinguished the fire before it caused serious damage. The two security guards sustained minor machete wounds and were taken to Los Palos hospital for treatment.

Last night in Covalima, police received reports that Beco market was on fire. They attended the scene and found that the fire had only caused minor damage to the market. Police have detained five people for questioning.

No security incidents were reported in Baucau or Viqueque districts yesterday. All government offices and schools remain closed in Viqueque.

The Police advise to avoid traveling during the night to the most affected areas. Please report any suspicious activities.  You can call 112 or 7230365 to contact the police 24 hours a day, seven days a week.