CANBERRA - Australian troops in Dili can now detain armed thugs under a stronger, new policy introduced today to try to rid the streets of rampaging criminal gangs.
Defence head Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston said the policy would permit troops to hold people for an unspecified period, possibly to allow laying of charges under East Timorese law.
The move follows a near-complete breakdown of law and order in East Timor's capital, with criminal gangs rampaging through the streets, looting, smashing property and setting fire to shops and homes, undeterred by the presence of Australian troops.
"We have tightened up our approach to detention in view of what happened yesterday," he said, adding that there had been no change to the rules of engagement which allow soldiers to resort to lethal force.
"We do not want to use lethal force unless circumstances absolutely demand it. To use lethal force against somebody who is committing a petty criminal act would be a totally disproportionate response."
Air Chief Marshal Houston said troops would still shoot machete-armed thugs if needed.
"If that machete is used in a way where the life of the Australian soldier is threatened, the soldier will resort to lethal force," he said.
"Let me make it very clear. We have the full power to use lethal force, but obviously we use it in a restrained way. Frankly that is the only way we can prevail in these circumstances."
Air Chief Marshal Houston said the Australian troops had made a substantial achievement in getting the East Timorese police and army off the streets.
He said police and soldiers had been killing each other last week. But today, Australian commander in Dili, Brigadier Michael Slater, reported he had heard no gunfire for 18 hours.
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