UNPol in East Timor Security Briefing 3 January 2008

UNPol Daily Security Briefing 3 January 2008 - 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 as a whole has been calm, although there was a large police operation in Dili on Wednesday evening.

On Wednesday evening, the UN Police (UNPol) Drug Taskforce, Dili District Police, and the Timorese National Police (PNTL) raided two bars in Dili as part of a successful operation to crackdown on activities related to illegal immigration, the sale of drugs, and possible human trafficking.  A total of 21 women and seven men were arrested for identification purposes in connection with investigations into these activities.

A fight took place between two groups in Ermera district on Wednesday morning which resulted in a 30-year-old man sustaining injuries to his arm and several windows of a UN Police vehicle being smashed. Police brought the situation under control, but later the next morning, the same groups gathered and threw stones at the police station. The situation has again been brought under control by the police, but remains tense.

Many bridges and roads throughout the country have been damaged by the heavy rain in the past few days. Ermera district is among the worst affected areas: Hatolia sub-district is virtually inaccessible as the bridge one kilometer east of Hatolia has been damaged by rainfall. The bridge connecting Ermera and Gleno has also been damaged and is unsafe to cross.

In Liquica district, police have managed to clear debris from several roads, and most remain open, if damaged. However, the road to Bazartete has been blocked by falling debris at several points. Police are working to clear this debris, but until they are successful Fatumasi is effectively cut off.

Despite the damaged roads, police are able to reach all districts by helicopter in case of emergency.

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.

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.