DILI, 01 august 2021 (TATOLI) – Military troops of Timor-Leste’s National Defense Force (F-FDTL) would be deployed to the nation’s border with Indonesia to strengthen border control to prevent illegal crossing, the Minister of Defense (MoD), Filomeno da Paixão said.
“In terms of leadership our military commanders and our soldiers are ready to be deployed to the border zone,” Paixão told reporters after the regular meeting of the Council of Ministers, at the Ministry of Finance, in Dili, today.
Paixão said Prime Minister had ordered the Ministry of Defense regarding the deployment of troops to the border zone: “Currently, we are discussing with Timorese National Police (PNTL) so that we can present a concept to the Council of Ministers regarding the deployment of the troops.”
“I can’t mention the exact date regarding when the deployment is going to take place, but I can assure you that it will happen soon,” he said.
In addition, he said to strengthen Timor-Leste’s border control, two military companies would be set up in the future, including one in the northern part and another will be set up in the southern part, in Maukatar, Suai-Covalima.
Last month after the Celebration of the 46th anniversary of F-FDTL, Tenant General Lere Anan Timur of F-FDTL said that the deployment of the military personnel at the border zone was vital to strengthen the border control to prevent illegal crossing during the pandemic.
From 14 to 31 august, PNTL had recorded a total of 153 people that had been committed the illegal crossing, Revealed PNTL’s spokesperson, Superintendent Arnaldo de Araujo: “During this period, around 76 Timorese citizens had been deported back to Timor-Leste from Atambua, Indonesia.”
The Government had always paid attention to the current situation at the Timor-Leste-Indonesia border zone due to the rise of illegal crossings that had been reported recently.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges Rosario
