ETimor Gangs Clash in Dili

SBS

14.9.2006. 12:34:19

Gangs of youths armed with machetes have clashed in the East Timorese capital Dili, killing one fighter and injuring five others, police and hospital officials said.

International peacekeepers fired tear gas in an attempt to disperse the violence which took place near the presidential palace.

Manuela Gaio, a nurse at Dili's main hospital, said the corpse of one fighter was taken to hospital, along with four wounded men. Another man was treated at a nearby health clinic for his injuries, an official said.

The dead man and the wounded fighters have puncture wounds consistent with sharp weapons, Gaio said.

East Timor descended into chaos earlier this year when fighting broke out between factions of the security forces and spilled into gang warfare, looting and arson attacks, leaving nearly 30 people dead and displacing some 150,000 people.

A new government and international peacekeepers have largely restored calm to the country, but thousands of people continue to live in temporary camps.


SOURCE: AP
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