Backgrounder: The Indonesian Army and Civilian Militias in East Timor

The violence in East Timor on April 17 was sparked by a rally of an estimated 3,000 pro-Indonesia militia members on the grounds of the East Timor governor's office in the capital, Dili. The rally was attended by the governor, Abilio Soares, senior military officers, and the district heads of East Timor's thirteen districts. Eleven of these districts have their own civilian militia ostensibly established to defend communities against guerrilla attacks but in fact to fight individuals and organizations supportive of independence.