Two cops still kidnapped in E. Timor

DILI, East Timor: Two police officers were still being held by Falintil resistance movement as of Friday, while the troops had not yet tried to attack them as both parties were still under negotiation, chief of Wira Dharma regional military command Col. Tono Suratman said.

Tono said that officers Pvt. Joao Baptista and Pvt. Mateu Dos Santos from Alas military post, about 150 kilometers south of here, were still kidnapped while 11 others had been released.

He said that up to Friday, Alas district was still closed and in tension as the military was attacking the district's surrounding areas.

"So far, there have been no developments," he said.

A group of 50 Falintil members and local youths attacked the Alas military post, killing three soldiers, abducting 13 others and stealing guns, rifles and ammunition on Monday.

A suspected member of the mob was also found dead at the headquarters. Several local youths also suffered injuries.

The motive for the attack is still unknown.

Residents of Alas subdistrict have evacuated to the Same area. (ind/33)