Some 2,000 security personnel from four countries began deploying to East Timor on 25 May after the government called for foreign assistance to re-establish order following armed clashes in the capital, Dili. The security situation has been deteriorating since rioting broke out in April after around 600 Timorese troops, nearly half the 1,400-strong regular army, were sacked on airing grievances against the government. This dissident force appears to have since gained further strength through clan loyalties, with the ex-soldiers largely Loromonu people from the country's western regions while remaining security personnel are mainly Lorosae from eastern regions.
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