An Indonesian-supported force launched a full-scale attack by air and sea on the former Portuguese colony of Timor at dawn today.
More than 1,000 army commandos parachuted into the capital of Dili in the first wave of the attack and by tonight controlled it and all the approach roads.
A radio broadcast monitored in Darwin reported that Indonesian troops had secured the airport, the military headquarters, and the former Portuguese administrative buildings within four hours of the first landings.
Up to four Indonesian warships steamed into Dili harbour at first light. They shelled the town and discharged regular Indonesian marines in landing craft.
There was only sporadic resistance, according to monitored radio reports. The Indonesians were supported by an unknown number of Timorese from two right-wing movements, the Timorese Democratic Union (UDT) and the pro-Indonesian Apodeti party.
The invasion came almost five months to the day after the left-wing nationalist movement Fretilin defeated two right-wing conservative local movements in a bloody internecine battle for control of the mini-colony after independence from Portugal. Indonesia, with one of the most phobic anti-Communist Governments in Asia, immediately began assisting the anti-Fretilin forces with arms and training.
Today╒s invasion had been expected for some weeks. The leaders of the Fretilin movement, who declared themselves the legitimate Government of the territory last week, are believed to have taken to the almost impenetrable hills and jungles around Alieu, about 60 miles from Dili.
