UNPol in East Timor Security Briefing 6 August 2007

The overall security situation across the country is tense, but has generally remained calm.

Today in Dili, UNPol conducted 44 patrols and were required to attend eight incidents. In one of these incidents, a rock was thrown at a UN vehicle, shattering one of its rear door windows. No-one was injured in the attack.

Last night in Dili, at approximately 2330 hrs, one UNPol officer was injured by a dart whilst attending a rock throwing incident in Bebonuk. The police officer sustained only minor injuries, and UNPol and a Formed Police Unit (FPU) brought the rock throwing to a halt.

Nine people in total were arrested yesterday in Dili: four in Comoro for assaulting a PNTL officer, and the remaining five for identification purposes in relation to drunken behaviour and causing a public disturbance.

In Covalima yesterday, three deserted houses were burnt to the ground. There were no injuries, and police are investigating.

In Liquica, two assaults were reported to the police. One was a drunken attack upon a 17-year-old boy by a 37-year-old man in Ismaik camp. No serious injuries were inflicted. The other occurred when a PNTL officer tried to prevent a group of ten people from damaging the house of man in Kutulau sub-village. The PNTL officer was hit on the head with a rock, and treated for minor injuries. Police have identified the main suspect in the assault and are tracking him down.

UNPol, PNTL and the ISF are working together to provide security to the people of Timor-Leste. The UNPol Election Security Plan is currently in Phase Four, the post-elections phase. UNPol, PNTL and the Formed Police Units remain deployed and are on stand-by for any post-elections clashes or victory processions. The International Stabilisation Forces are also on stand-by, ready to be deployed upon request.

The police would like to remind the people of Timor-Leste that they require valid driving licenses before they are allowed to drive on the roads. All vehicles should also display valid license plates. These measures are in place to help ensure road safety.

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.