Timor Leste's President Shot in Rebel Attack
Scoop News Flash: Timor Leste – President Jose Ramos-Horta is undergoing emergency surgery after Rebel soldiers attached his home. Ramos-Horta was shot during the attack. Scoop Image by Jason Dorday.
Rebel leader Alfredo Reinado was killed in the attack early today.
Agencies based in Dili report that Ramos-Horta is undergoing surgery at a heli-port medical-unit on an Australian military base. A presidential advisor said Ramos-Horta was shot in the stomach and his condition is serious.
If the President's
condition stabilizes it is believed he will be transported
to a military hospital in Darwin.
Local TV in Dili reported that the rebels had also carried out a failed
attack on the home of Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao. Further
details are unclear.
Reuters reported an East Timor
soldier was also seriously wounded and AP reported one of
Ramos-Horta's guards was killed in the attack.
The United Nations said Ramos-Horta and two others had been injured. The UN has stated that it will increase security in and around Dili.
More to come…
ENDS