The Scorched Earth Operation refers to actions of paramilitary groups during the events of September 1999 in Dili, the capital of East Timor.
Following a referendum on Timorese independence, pro-Indonesian militia and military rampaged through East Timor destroying vital infrastructure.
[1] As pro-Indonesian militia leaders warned of a "bloodbath" if the referendum was successful, Indonesian "roving ambassador" Francisco Lopes da Cruz declared: "If people reject autonomy, there is the possibility blood will flow in East Timor.
[5] At the same time, Indonesian troops and paramilitary gangs forced over 200,000 people into West Timor, into camps described by Human Rights Watch as "deplorable conditions.
"[7] When a UN delegation arrived in Jakarta on 8 September, they were told by Indonesian President Habibie that reports of bloodshed in East Timor were "fantasies" and "lies.