UNPol in East Timor Security Briefing 04 May 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 Dili has been relatively calm, although Bairo Pite remains a flashpoint.

Today in Dili, UNPol conducted a total of 51 patrols and were required to attend four incidents, including two incidents of fighting. The first occurred at 1057hrs when UNPOL received reports of rock throwing on Comoro Road.

On arrival, the UNPOL patrol discovered that about 30 people were involved. One man was arrested and the others fled the scene. The second incident occurred at 1155hrs. UNPOL responded to reports of fighting in Bairo Pite behind the Bairo Pite police post. However, the patrol was able to bring the situation under control without any arrest or injury.

Yesterday, at about 2210hrs, the International Stabilization Forces (ISF) arrested seven people for possession of local-made fire arms, a grenade and sling shots at Banana road in Bairo Pite. Approximately two hours later in the same area, the ISF arrested a further two people for possession of an offensive weapon. UNPOL recovered two slingshots and 42 darts and transported the suspects to the detention centre.

Yesterday in Bobonaro sub-district, UNPol and PNTL officers traveled to Sibuni to find a peaceful solution to a clash between two rival groups of supporters. Five supporters from one side had been subject to verbal and physical abuse one day previously.

In Viqueque district, an UNPOL team and one PNTL officer went to Uaimori village yesterday to investigate reports of a rape.

In Liquica two days ago, two local electoral staff had rocks thrown at their car in Metago Bazartete sub district. The two victims had leg and back injuries, and were treated at Dili Hospital. The injuries are not life-threatening. The matter is under Investigation.

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.