UNPol in East Timor Security Briefing 14 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 during the last 24 hours has remained tense, particularly in Viqueque and Baucau districts. Dili has remained calm.

United Nations police officers (UNPol) in conjunction with the national police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) and the International Stabilization Force (ISF) remain fully deployed to contain and put a stop to any violence.

Yesterday in Viqueque, one PNTL officer was seriously wounded in a machete attack by an unknown assailant in Uatolari subdsitrict. One house was also reported to have been set on fire place in Nularan village at around 0005hrs yesterday morning. There were no injuries.

In Uato-Carbau, Viqueque, PNTL report that 923 people from Uatolari subdsitrict have registered with the police as having left their homes due to the recent disturbances.

No serious security incidents were reported in Baucau yesterday, but the public transport and markets are not yet fully functional. UNPol, PNTL, two Formed Police Units (FPUs) and the ISF remain on alert in case of any disturbances.

Today in Dili, UNPol attended six incidents. None were major. One incident was a fire in Tasi Tolu. The fire brigade extinguished the blaze, and police confirmed that the fire had not been started deliberately.

Yesterday in Dili district, there were isolated incidents of rock throwing, concentrating around the airport and Metinaro. Three people were arrested for the attacks, and there were no reports of any injuries.

Political leaders have been traveling to the east of the country to condemn the recent violence. Two days ago in Baucau, the FRETILIN leadership told to its supporters that local village and sub-village chiefs will be held responsible for any violence that occurs in their area. Similarly, in Viqueque two days ago, a high-ranking FRETILIN official met with supporters and urged them not to commit any violent acts.

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.