Mobs torch homes as Timor violence rages

An Australian soldier looks for gang members who have set several houses on fire in Dili yesterday. Tensions run high as one of the world's poorest and tiniest countries has descended into chaos with gangs clashing in the streets using machetes, slingshots and bows and arrows. PHOTO: AFP

What started with sporadic clashes between former soldiers and government troops has spiralled into open gang warfare. Violence has engulfed the capital, killing at least 27 people and wounding 100 others in the past week.

Aid workers expressed frustration at the insecurity despite the presence of more than 1,300 foreign troops from Australia, New Zealand and Malaysia. The troops seemed unable to stop the machete-wielding gangs that have terrorized the capital.

President Xanana Gusmao said he was assuming "sole responsibility" for the country's national security to "prevent violence and avoid further fatalities."

The announcement came shortly after Cabinet officials said the defence and interior ministers had been fired. Gusmao said the emergency measures would take effect immediately and be valid for 30 days.

The East Timorese government said it was authorizing foreign troops to detain suspects for 72 hours, not just disarm them.

Earlier, Jose Ramos Horta, the country's Nobel peace prize-winning foreign minister, acknowledged the government had "failed miserably" to prevent the unrest, provoked by a military rebellion.

He directed the blame toward Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri, though officials present at Tuesday's meeting told The Associated Press Alkatiri would be staying for the time being.