UNPol in East Timor Security Briefing 19 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 around the country is stable, but yesterday there was serious fighting in Bairo Pite, Dili.

At approximately 1930hrs last night, UNPol received reports of around 50 people fighting in Bairo Pite junction. UNPol and Formed Police Units arrived on the scene and dispersed the crowd, but not before three people were injured by shots fired from a pistol and another two were injured by steel darts. The wounded are all are reported to be in a stable condition. One person was arrested for possession of an illegal weapon.

Today in Dili, UNPol attended four incidents and conducted a total 44 patrols. This morning, UNPol and the National Investigation Division attended the office of Timor Telecom to investigate a suspected break in. In the afternoon, the windscreen of UNPol car was smashed by unknown assailants in Bairo Pite junction.

Yesterday in the Districts, a 16-year-old girl discovered a suspected grenade in Los Palos. The PNTL are now in possession of the item, and the Portuguese Formed Police Unit has been dispatched today to deal with it.

In Baucau, three people threw rocks at a house in Trilolo village. The suspects ran away as UNPol and PNTL arrived, but have been identified and will be called into questioning today.

In Bobonaro, there was fighting between rival groups on 17 April in the Sibuni area of Bobonaro subdistrict, and tensions have remained high. To counter the problem, UNPol and the PNTL are engaging in community policing discussions with key members of the community. They also plan to bring in political coordinators of opposing parties to negotiate peaceful solutions to the conflict.

Separately, the National Investigation Division and the Forensics Unit are investigating the murder of a young girl that occurred in Manatuto on 10 April. The crime scene has been examined, and three witness statements have been obtained.

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.