Shooting near East Timor airport

Authorities have taken the decision to close East Timor's international airport after shooting incidents close by.

The shootings are believed to have taken place yesterday and today in the region's capital, Dili, as rival gangs engaged in fierce battles, leaving two people dead.

"All flights since last night have been cancelled until today," an airport official informed Reuters this morning.

"The reason for this is because there will be no security guarantee for the passengers."

Unrest in the region has been commonplace in recent months following the former prime minister Mari Alkatiri's decision to sack 600 soldiers in March.

Battles between government troops and rebels have left over 30 people dead this year and caused Mr Alkatiri to step down in June.

An Australian peacekeeping force is currently attempting to gain control of the situation.