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F-FDTL responds to attack by breakaway elements from the army,
23 May 2006
Elements of Timor-Leste´s defence forces, FALINTIL-Forças
de Defesa de Timor-Leste (F-FDTL) were today attacked by breakaway,
renegade elements of the FDTL. This small group of renegade soldiers,
who left Dili after the rioting on April 28, have stated that
they are not deserters, but they are refusing to respect military
orders. This group is not the same as the `petitioners` who had
resigned from the army after claims of discrimination.
Today, there were two incidents in which F-FDTL soldiers were
attacked in an area of Dili called Fatuhai. In the first instance,
a group of unarmed F-FDTL soldiers were going to the bank to collect
their pay. They were attacked by members of the renegade force
led by Major Alfredo Reinado. In the second incident, at about
the same time, F-FDTL soldiers, who had set up an observation
post in Fatuhai, were also attacked by renegade soldiers.
F-FDTL had set up the observation post in Fatuhai as they had
credible information that Major Reinado may come to Dili to cause
unrest. In recent days, Major Reinado's tone in media statements
had become increasingly threatening as he spoke of bringing down
the state.
In response to the attacks, F-FDTL and Timorese police (PNTL)
pursued the renegade soliders seeking to apprehend them. At this
point it is believed that one solider was killed, and five soldiers
and one policeman were wounded (one badly injured). One of the
renegade soldiers was also badly hurt.
The operation to apprehend all renegade soldiers is still underway.
Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri has met with the Minister of the
Interior responsible for police, the Defence Minister, the commander
of the army and the chief of police. The government has been fully
briefed. The Government has appealed to the population to stay
calm. The Government has given assurances that the renegade soldiers
have been identified and they will be brought to justice.
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