Dili quiet after violent protests quelled

The capital of East Timor was quiet but tense today after thousands of supporters of rebel leader Alfredo Reinado yesterday rioted…

The capital of East Timor was quiet but tense today after thousands of supporters of rebel leader Alfredo Reinado yesterday rioted in protest over a raid by international troops on his hideout.

New Zealand troops, part of an international peacekeeping force in the country of one million since last year, are patrolling areas of Dili.

Australian soldiers are searching the southern part of East Timor for Mr Reinado, who escaped the weekend raid that sparked yesterday's protests. Five people died in the raid, according to the Australian government.

Mr Reinado was involved in fighting last year and has been on the run since he escaped from jail in Dili in August along with 50 other inmates.

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The standoff between Mr Reinado and the troops has raised fears of violence ahead of East Timor's April presidential election.