Thousands of angry supporters of East Timor rebel leader Alfredo Reinado burnt tyres and threw stones in the capital on Monday to protest against a raid by international troops on the fugitive's hideout.
Reinado, who led a revolt that plunged the fledgling nation into chaos last year, escaped Saturday's raid on his Same base by Australian-led international peacekeeping forces in which four people were killed.
Supporters gathered in the heart of Dili, shouting "Long Live Alfredo", and denounced President Xanana Gusmao, who had ordered security forces to arrest Reinado following accusations the former army major led a raid on a police post last month and made off with 25 automatic weapons and ammunition.
Armed peacekeepers patrolled the streets to disperse the crowds, with Reinado's supporters replying with threats to continue protesting until Gusmao withdrew his arrest order.
"You better go back to your country instead of making people suffer," said one of Reinado's angry supporters, pointing to Australian peacekeeping troops. The Australian government later announced it would evacuate non-emergency staff and families from its Dili embassy.
"The security situation is volatile and there is a high risk of violent civil unrest," Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said in a statement. "There is an increasing likelihood that Australians could be specifically targeted."
Streets emptied on Monday as international police moved to secure the capital and protesters blocked roads with wrecked cars, preventing government officials from going to work, a Reuters witness said.
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