Scorched Earth Operation in the context of "1999 East Timorese crisis"

The 1999 East Timorese crisis began with attacks by pro-Indonesia militia groups on civilians and expanded to general violence throughout the country, centred in the capital Dili. The violence intensified after a majority of eligible East Timorese voters voted for independence from Indonesia. A Scorched Earth Operation by militia groups destroyed 80% of Dili's infrastructure. At least 1,400 civilians are believed to have been murdered both before and after voting. A UN-authorized force (INTERFET) consisting mainly of Australian Defence Force personnel was deployed to East Timor to establish and maintain peace.