East Timorese resistance leader Jose Ramos Horta has condemned any targeting of civilians by the resistance movement.

He made the comment after allegations that nine civilians were killed by the guerillas in East Timor, in what could be a dramatic change in tactics used in the conflict.

Doctor Ramos Horta says reports from the region indicate nine civilians and 30 Indonesian soldiers had been killed by guerrillas in renewed fighting over the past few days.

He says if the reports are confimed then it will be the first time since the invasion in 1975 that guerrillas have attacked Indonesian civilians.

Doctor Ramos Horta says that whatever actions are taken against civilians are inexcusable and he can't condone such actions.