Indonesian authorities say at least 15 people have died in East Timor, in a series of attacks by suspected separatist rebels.

Michael Maher reports that the violence occurred ahead of elections held throughout Indonesia today.

Police in East Timor say that the deaths occurred yesterday in separate incidents in the towns of Dili, Baucau and Los Palos during attacks by Fretilin guerillas aimed at disrupting Indonesia's parliamentary elections. The police claim that the fatalities included nine civilians and four members of Fretilin. There is yet to be any independent confirmation of those police reports or figures. However, East Timor's pro-independence movement has stepped up its activities during the course of the Indonesian election campaign.

Earlier this week, two policemen were reported to have been shot by Fretilin fighters and polling booths have been destroyed. Although Indonesia claims East Timor as its 27th province, it's a claim which isn't recognised by the United Nations.