FBI called in to investigate E Timor attacks

(File photo) (AAP: Gary Ramage)

The United States has sent three FBI agents to East Timor to assist in the investigation into attacks on the country's leaders.

President Jose Ramos-Horta was shot and critically wounded at his home in Dili last week in an attack by rebel soldiers, while Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao escaped injury in another shooting.

Both attacks are believed to have been carried out by followers of rebel leader Alfredo Reinado, who was killed during the attack on Mr Ramos-Horta.

Arrest warrants have been issued against 17 people suspected of being involved in the attack.

The US ambassador to Dili says the FBI team will to work for the Prosecutor-General.

The three agents join the 70 extra Australian Federal Police deployed to investigate the attacks on the country's President and Prime Minister.

American Ambassador to East Timor, Hans Klemm says East Timor's Government asked Australia and the United States to send expert investigators to help gather evidence in order to create a strong case against those responsible.

Both the AFP and FBI agents are under the command of East Timor's Prosecutor-General.

The Opposition party, Fretelin has accused the Government of using the investigation to engage in political persecution after a former Fretelin MP was taken for questioning by police without a warrant on Tuesday night.