Soldier gunned down in E. Timor

DILI, East Timor: East Timorese separatists gunned down a member of the Saka brigade here Thursday evening.

The East Timor military commander, Col. Mahidin Simbolon, told journalists Friday that a team was being formed to investigate the shooting of Sgt. Maj. Juliao Fraga.

Antara reported Juliao died after being hit by eight bullets. He was buried Saturday with military honors in Baucau in a ceremony attended by Col. Simbolon and his staff.

The Saka brigade is known as a rapid reaction unit which operates from village to village protecting residents from the threat of separatists. (mds)