The Timor-Leste government blamed rebel soldiers for Monday's surprise attacks targeting President Ramos Horta and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao that could spark a new turmoil after the 2006 clash also provoked by the rebels.
The rebels attacked the head of state and the head of government of the country, deputy prime minister Jose Luis Guterres told reporters in the capital of Dili.
The military said the group was led by fugitive rebel leader Alfredo Reinado, who is sought for murders in the 2006 turmoil.
"The attack was carried out by Alfredo's group," said military spokesman Domingos da Camara.
President Horta was shot in the stomach but reportedly in stable condition while Gusmao escaped a subsequent ambush unhurt.
Guterres said the wound is not life-threatening and Horta, 58, will survive.
Horta was immediately handled by Australian doctors at the Australia Military Base in Dili and a hospital in Darwin was preparing to receive him for further treatment, local media reports said.
Reinado was killed in the shootout as presidential guards fired back during the pre-dawn attack at Horta's residence on the outskirts of Dili.
The country came under attack ... but attempts to assassin the president and the prime minister have failed, Gusmao said in a press briefing, stressing that the situation is already under control.
The UN Police in Timor Leste immediately announced it was on a high state of alert and coordinating with the International Stabilization Forces (ISF).
Reinado also led rebellion in May 2006 following controversial dismissal of some 600 soldiers that led to violence across Dili in which 37 people were killed.
Hundreds of troops from Australia-led multinational force were deployed to restore peace in Asia's youngest country following the turmoil.
Army major Reinado was convicted of murder but broke off prison in August 2006 along with some 50 convicted soldiers and has since refused to surrender and vowed to use force against the government. Last week, his men attacked Australian troops in Dili.
The 2006 rebellion by disgruntled soldiers led to the resignation of then prime minister Mari Alkatiri in place for Horta. In a peace election last year, Horta was elected president, swapping job with Xanana Gusmao who became prime minister.
Alkatiri and his political party Fretilin maintained that the current government was illegitimate, but he was among the first to condemn the attacks.
"We are shocked that this has happened," he said in a statement.
"This comes as a total surprise given the recent positive developments, as a result of the president's tireless efforts to find a mechanism of national political consensus to find solutions to the critical issues that are faced by our country."
Source: Xinhua
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