Gunbattles rage in East Timor as ex-soldiers rebel

Fierce gunbattles raged in East Timor’s capital today, killing at least three people and wounding more than a dozen, as Australia and New Zealand sent troops to help the tiny nation quell a rebellion by disgruntled ex-soldiers.

Witnesses said hundreds of foreigners were fleeing the country, and reporters who arrived early today said gunfire along the main road leading to the airport prevented them from entering the capital.