An Australian soldier was injured in a suspected militia attack in East Timor overnight, the East Timor Australian National Command said today.

The soldier, serving with the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in East Timor, suffered minor shrapnel wounds to the lower left leg and buttock in an explosion at Aidabaleten, about 27 kilometres northeast of Batugade, a statement said. The attack occurred at 10.15pm yesterday local time, the statement said.

The soldier, Private Christopher Carter, was treated at the site of the attack and then flown by Black Hawk helicopter to the UN Military hospital in Dili.

The statement said Private Carter, from 1st Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, was in a stable condition. The United Nations and the Australian National Contingent were investigating the incident.