Gang violence sends thousands fleeing

? Tens of thousands of East Timorese fled their burning capital or sought refuge in churches, embassies and the airport Sunday as gangs terrorized neighborhoods virtually at will. The United Nations evacuated hundreds of employees.

Foreign peacekeepers dispersed some militants but they quickly regrouped. The U.N. special representative in Dili said more international peacekeepers may be needed to restore order in the capital.

A week of bloodshed has killed at least 27 people, raising concerns that one of the world’s youngest nations is plunging into a civil war.

A Cabinet meeting was scheduled today amid speculation the government may soon collapse or that parliament will be dissolved. Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri has called the violence a plot to overthrow him.