World

RI military steps up patrols in areas bordering Timor Leste

by uusjio | February 12, 2008 at 04:22 am

317 views | 2 Recommendations | 1 comment

Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara (ANTARA News) - Indonesian Military (TNI) personnel stationed in parts of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) province sharing borders with Timor Leste have stepped up their patrols following the shooting of Timor Leste President Ramos Horta on Monday.
The military had intensified its patrols in the border areas although the possibility of Timor Leste rebels entering Indonesia was very small, Wirasakti Military Region Chief Col Winston Pardamean Simanjuntak said here on Tuesday.
Simanjuntak said he was maintaining coordination with security authorities and the United Nations peace-keeping force in Timor Leste, especially on the movements of rebel groups in the tiny country.
Traffic of border crossers through the Motaain and Turiskain patrol posts had so far remained normal, he said. However, security checks had been stepped up in efforts to prevent any possible infiltration.
The Indonesian military, however, would not increase the number of its personnel in the border areas, he said.
A rebel group under Major Alfredo Reinado launched armed attacks against Timor Leste`s President Jose Ramos Horta and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao in Dili on Monday.
Due to the incident, Ramos Horta sustained gunshot wounds on his belly and chest, while Xanana Gusmao escaped from a separate armed attack unhurt although his car was badly damaged by gunshots.
Rebel leader Alfredo Reinado was reportedly killed in a shootout with presidential guards when the rebels attacked Ramos Horta`s residence. (*) END

Read Also