Australian troops fired on by East Timorese rebels

Australian soldiers on a routine patrol
in the Ermera district, south west of Dili, East Timor, have been
fired upon by troops loyal to fugitive leader Alfredo Reinado.

No casualties were reported in the
incident reported earlier today in which the Australian troops did
not return fire and later withdrew from their advance positions in
the area near the village of Lauala.

Around five to eight rifle shots were
shot by the rebels towards the Australian positions.

The commander of the International
Stabilisation Force (ISF) in Timor, Brigadier James Baker, told the
ABC the Australians withdrew to their home base.

"The ISF did not return fire but immediately withdrew to
Gleno [the home base]," he said. "There were no casualties
from this incident."

He added the rebel troops are part of a
group of fugitives who deserted with Major Reinado in 2006.

Brigadier Baker said the ISF was not
currently involved in any operation against Major Reinado's fugitive
forces at the request of the East Timorese government and said the
incident would be investigated fully.

"Reinado is a fugitive of the Timorese criminal justice
system, he has threatened the safety of Australian troops," he
said.

"This incident will be fully investigated in cooperation with
the UN and the Timor Leste authorities."

Major Reinado had been arrested and charged with illegal weapons
distribution, desertion and attempted murder but later was able to
escape from jail. He is believed to be hiding out in the Ermera
district in the country's west.