MILITARY DEVELOPMENTS

Created: 12/18/1976

OCR scan of the original document, errors are possible

Military Developments STAFF NOTES

In tho past four months, the military situation in Timor has not changed significantly. Indonesian troops have continued to patrol vigorously to protect supply and communications lines and military installations, and the air force has increased its attacks against Fretilin bases.'-

Indonesian troops haveumber ofFretilin military commanders and large quantities of military hardware, as well as an important Fretilin radio transmitter. Radio Maubre, that had been used for propaganda broadcasts. Last month, the Indonesians lost only aboutan, and equipment losses also dropped signi ficantly.

Meanwhile the conflict continues to wear down the Fretilin, who have been driven farther into the The guerrillas now operate in small, disorganized bands and can carry out only small-scale attacks. In addition Fretilin leaders abroad have failed to acquira badly needed arms and supplies.

When Indonesia invaded East Timor inakarta hopeduick military victory. Fretilin

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eak logistics system, and poor command and control, however, contributed to Jakata's inability to quickly wrap up the war.

Although Indonesia controls only about half of the former Portuguese colony, the Indonesian task force is still pushing ahead with plans to reduce the number of0 troops. Lastere sent home, and by the end of the year Indonesia expects to have no mors0 troops on the island.