UNPol in East Timor Security Briefing 20 April 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 Dili has been relatively calm. However, Bairo Pite remains volatile.

Today in Dili, UNPol conducted a total of 53 patrols and were required to attend only three incidents. One was a small fire in Kampung Tuti. UNPol called the fire service, and the fire was extinguished with no casualties and little damage to property.

Yesterday in Dili, UNPol received reports that a large number of people had set up illegal road blocks in Banana Road at around 1320hrs. UNPol, Formed Police Units and the International Stabilisation Force dispersed the crowd and cleared the road. A total of 11 people were arrested, and a number of traditional weapons were confiscated.

Yesterday morning in Los Palos, the Portuguese Formed Unit diffused a World War II grenade that had been found by a 16-year-old girl. The grenade was still active.

In Ermera yesterday, two groups of young males began throwing rocks at one another shortly before midday. To disperse the crowd, two PNTL officers fired two warning shots into the air. There are no reports of any associated casualties. Approximately five hours later, the fight resumed, and UNPol, PNTL and International Stabilisation Force arrived promptly to disperse the crowd. One person received a minor rock injury to his forehead.

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.