UNPol in East Timor Security Briefing 13 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.

There were a number of sporadic disturbances in Dili last night, however the security situation across the rest of the country has generally been calm.

Yesterday, from around 2245hrs, several simultaneous incidents of fighting, rock throwing, tire-burning and road blocks occurred

in Dili. The incidents were concentrated around the Comoro Road, Tasi Tolu, Fatuhada and Bairo Pite. Upon the appearance of UNPol, the suspects run away, allowing the police to clear the roads. The situation returned to normal around 0200hrs.

In the disturbances, three UN vehicles were damaged by rock throwing and a 17-year-old boy was injured by a sling shot near Bairo Pite Chapel. He has been taken to Dili hospital, and UNPol are investigating.

Today in Dili, UNPol conducted a total of 48 patrols and were required to attend three incidents. One of the incidents involved a fight between two gangs in Bairo Pite. Again, the groups dispersed upon the arrival of the police.  No arrests were made.

In Emera, UNPol and PNTL are investigating an alleged assault that took place yesterday in Asulao village, Hatolia sub-district. The victim claims that eight men belonging to a gang beat him with sticks, causing bruising across his body.

In Oecussi, PNTL responded to reports of five drunken men causing a disturbance outside a house in Oetulu village. The men had started throwing rocks after the residents asked them to leave. PNTL arrested five suspects and the residents were treated at the hospital for minor injuries.

The UNPol Election Security Plan is currently in Phase Four, the post-election phase. UNPol, PNTL and Formed Police Units remain deployed and are on stand-by for any post-election unrest. The International Stabilisation Forces are also on stand-by, ready to be deployed on request.

The Police advise to avoid traveling to areas most affected by security incidents.  Please report any suspicious activities.  You may 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.