UNPol in East Timor Security Briefing 25 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.

The security situation across the country has generally been calm.

Today in Dili district, UNPol were required to attend five incidents. None were serious. There was one incident of fighting in Fatuhada reported at 0925hrs, but the groups fled upon seeing the police.

Yesterday, they were five arrests in Dili. Four people were arrested in Vila Verde and Balide for identification purposes in relation to rock-throwing, and one person was arrested in Bairo Pite for illegal possession of a weapon.

Yesterday in Bobonaro, PNTL officers came across an illegal roadblock set up by gang members near Fatu Molin village. Gang members tried to flee when they realized they had stopped a police car, but the PNTL managed to arrest six men. Police also recovered two knives, one machete, one wooden stick, four steel darts, and one home-made gun for firing darts. The suspects revealed that they set up the roadblock under the belief that they were going to be attacked by a rival gang.

In Ainaro, near Nunomogue village, an unidentified person threw rocks at a truck carrying rice. A passenger sitting next to the driver sustained a minor injury to his head, and was treated in Ainaro hospital. Police are investigating.

In Liquica, an international female staff member of CNE escaped unhurt from a potential assault on Leopa beach at around 1845hrs. The suspect grabbed her arm, but she managed to escape after a brief struggle. Police are searching for the suspect.

In Lautem, PNTL investigators traveled to Llilapa sub-village to investigate reports that a woman killed her newborn child on 18 July 2007. The suspect has confessed to the crime and police are gathering evidence.

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-polling phase. UNPol, PNTL and Formed Police Units remain deployed and are on stand-by for any post-polling clashes or victory processions. The International Stabilisation Forces are also on stand-by, ready to be deployed on request.

The police would also 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. 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.