UNPol in East Timor Security Briefing 18 September 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 has been generally calm, but there have been several disturbances in Dili and one case of arson in Viqueque.

Earlier today in Dili, UNPol attended three incidents, including an ongoing fight in Kampung Tuti, where police responded to a report of 50 people throwing rocks at around 10:45hrs and dispersed the crowd. Fighting re-commenced at 14:46hrs, and police returned to bring the situation under control, this time with the support of the international security force (ISF). Shortly afterwards, approximately 600 people gathered on both sides of the Comoro River to resume fighting, and police had to fire two warning shots to prevent the situation escalating . There were no reports of any injuries. Police and the ISF are now remaining at the location to prevent further disturbances.

Early this morning in Beradick village, Viqueque, police received a report of an arson attack in which four houses, one shop and one kitchen were set on fire. Police are hunting for the suspect.

On Monday evening approximately 60 people threw rocks at the Tasi Tolu police post. Police, supported by the ISF, worked to bring the situation under control for the next three hours, firing four warning shots and using six smoke grenades in the process. One UN vehicle was damaged, but there are no reports of any injuries. Police arrested four people for rock throwing.

On Monday evening police in Dili also responded to a report of rocks being thrown in Bebonuk. Upon arrival, they discovered that a hut being used as a primary school had been set on fire. Police called the fire brigade, who were then attacked whilst attempting to extinguish the blaze. The window of the fire truck was smashed by a rock and the driver sustained injuries to his face. The attack prevented the fire brigade from extinguishing the fire, and the primary school was completely destroyed.

Separately, one person was arrested in Bidau Santana on Monday on a charge of assault.

United Nations police officers in conjunction with the PNTL and the international security forces remain fully deployed to respond to any disturbances that may emerge.

The Police advise to avoid travelling 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.