Australia's Long War In Afghanistan: A Retrospective

Australia's war efforts in Afghanistan began in October 2001, in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York and Washington. The conflict, known as Operation Slipper (2001-2014) and Operation Highroad (2015-2021), saw Australian troops deployed to Afghanistan to combat terrorism, stabilise the country, and support the US-led coalition forces. The war concluded in 2021 with the withdrawal of international forces and the Taliban's return to power. Over the course of two decades, Australia's involvement in Afghanistan has been marked by both military engagements and reconstruction efforts, with over 26,000 Australian personnel serving in the country.

The Australian Defence Force's involvement in Afghanistan

Australia's military involvement in Afghanistan, known as Operation Slipper (2001-2014) and Operation Highroad (2015-2021), has seen the deployment of naval, air and land forces as part of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). Australia's mission was to support coalition efforts to contain the threat of international terrorism and to support the Afghan government.

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) commitment to Afghanistan began in October 2001 with Operation Slipper. All three squadrons of the Australian Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) were deployed to Afghanistan, participating in operations in the mountainous regions south of Kabul, and conducting reconnaissance and surveillance. The ADF provided logistical support, including air-to-air refuelling and maritime patrol missions. The initial ADF commitment concluded in December 2002 with the withdrawal of the Special Air Service Task Group.

From 2005 onwards, Australian efforts focused on securing and stabilising Uruzgan Province in southern Afghanistan. The ADF maintained pressure on insurgent and terrorist networks, supported anti-narcotic operations, and helped develop the Afghan National Security Forces. A Reconstruction Task Force was also committed to help construct schools, medical facilities, bridges and patrol bases in Uruzgan.

In 2009, a number of Operational Mentoring and Liaison Teams (OMLTs) were embedded into the Afghan National Army battalions in Uruzgan, as part of Australia's mission to mentor and partner with the ANA. This led to the renaming of the Reconstruction Task Force to the Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force, and later, the Mentoring Task Force.

Operation Slipper concluded on 31 December 2014, with Australia's "train, advise and assist" mission in Afghanistan continuing under Operation Highroad. Approximately 400 Australian personnel were deployed as part of this new mission, including personnel in mentoring and advisory roles, as well as medical, force protection and logistical support.

Over the course of Australia's involvement in Afghanistan, there have been allegations of war crimes committed by Australian forces. In 2016, an inquiry was launched into these allegations, which concluded that there was credible information of serious crimes committed by ADF personnel. As a result, the 2nd Squadron of the SASR was disbanded, and a number of soldiers faced disciplinary action, including potential criminal investigations and termination of service.

The last ADF personnel and diplomats departed Afghanistan in June 2021, marking the end of Australia's military involvement in the country.

The US-led war in Afghanistan

The US-led coalition remained in Afghanistan, forming a UN-sanctioned International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) that aimed to create a democratic authority to prevent the Taliban from returning to power. The ISAF was tasked with assisting the Afghan government in maintaining security in the country and building the capacity of the Afghan National Security Forces. The ISAF was initially led by the UK and later taken over by NATO.

The war in Afghanistan was Australia's longest war. Australia's military contribution to the war was known as Operation Slipper (2001-2014) and Operation Highroad (2015-2021). Australia's involvement included deploying naval, air, and land forces that took part in combat and combat support operations. Over 26,000 Australian personnel have served in Afghanistan.

The war in Afghanistan was not without controversy. In 2018, photographs depicting Australian soldiers flying Nazi swastikas on their vehicles in Afghanistan were published. In 2020, an inquiry found credible information that 25 Australian Defence Force personnel were involved in serious crimes in Afghanistan, including the murder of 39 prisoners and civilians.

Australia's military inquiry report

Background

The Afghanistan Inquiry Report, commonly known as the Brereton Report, was an investigation into war crimes committed by the Australian Defence Force (ADF) during the War in Afghanistan between 2005 and 2016. The inquiry was commissioned in 2016 by the Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force (IGADF) after rumours and allegations emerged of possible breaches of the Law of Armed Conflict by members of the Special Operations Task Group in Afghanistan. The final report was delivered on 6 November 2020 and released to the public on 19 November 2020.

Findings

The Brereton Report found evidence of 39 murders of civilians and prisoners by (or at the instruction of) members of the Australian special forces, which were subsequently covered up by ADF personnel. The report stated that 25 ADF personnel were involved in the killings, including those who were "accessories" to the incidents. Some of those implicated were still serving in the military, while others had left. The unlawful killings discussed in the report began in 2009, with most occurring in 2012 and 2013.

The report revealed an alleged practice known as "blooding" or initiation, where junior special forces soldiers were instructed by their patrol commander to execute a detainee to gain their first kill. Weapons or radios, known as "throwdowns", were placed on the bodies, and a "cover story" was created to mask the crime. The report also found that complaints about the Australians' conduct, including by Afghan nationals and local human rights groups, were ignored or dismissed as Taliban propaganda.

Responses

The Chief of the Defence Force, General Angus Campbell, apologised for "any wrongdoing by Australian soldiers" and announced the disbandment of the 2nd Squadron of the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) due to a "distorted culture". The Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, expressed his deepest sorrow to the President of Afghanistan, Ashraf Ghani, and warned that the report would contain difficult and hard news for Australians. The release of the report garnered national headlines and international attention, with victims and activists responding.

The Australian Centre for International Justice (ACIJ) assessed Australia's response to the report's findings and recommendations two years after its release. They found that Australia had failed to act on recommendations regarding redress for victims of war crimes by Australian special forces. The ACIJ report also noted a lack of public information and outreach with survivors and victims as key issues of concern.

The Afghanistan War's impact on Australian veterans

Australia's involvement in the war in Afghanistan has been known as Operation Slipper (2001-2014) and Operation Highroad (2015-2021). The Australian Defence Force (ADF) operations included two major areas of activity: Afghanistan and the Persian Gulf. Over 26,000 Australian personnel have served in Afghanistan, with 41 killed and 261 wounded.

The war in Afghanistan has profoundly changed the Australian Army and had a significant impact on the whole defence force. The ADF personnel served in Afghanistan and 41 died there. The vast majority of them fought and worked with great courage and decency, many living in small, isolated patrol bases in remote valleys with the Afghan soldiers they mentored. They fought, trained, and some died with those Afghan soldiers.

The impact of the war on Australian veterans has been complex and far-reaching. Some veterans have struggled with mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress and guilt. There has been a significant number of suicides among veterans, reflecting the intensity and hidden costs of the conflict. Others have expressed pride in their service and would do it again despite the challenges and losses.

The war in Afghanistan also led to allegations of war crimes and unlawful killings of civilians by Australian forces. An inquiry found credible information of potential "war crimes" committed by Australian troops, including the unlawful killing of prisoners and civilians. This has had a further impact on veterans, with some expressing frustration and despair as the Taliban regained control of the country.

The Afghanistan War has left an indelible mark on Australian veterans, with many experiencing a range of emotions and struggles upon their return home. The war's impact has been felt across the defence force and the nation as a whole, shaping Australia's military and foreign policies in the years to come.

The Afghanistan War's civilian casualties

The Afghanistan Wars have resulted in a significant number of civilian casualties. The war-induced breakdown of the economy, public health, security, and infrastructure has destroyed countless lives. The conflict has led to massive impoverishment, with 92% of the population facing food insecurity and 3 million children at risk of acute malnutrition. Some regions are currently facing famine, and half the population is living on less than $1.90 per day.

The United States' rules of engagement for airstrikes in Afghanistan, relaxed in 2017, resulted in a dramatic increase in civilian casualties. From the last year of the Obama administration to the final full year of recorded data under the Trump administration, civilian deaths caused by U.S.-led airstrikes in Afghanistan increased by 330%. The CIA has also armed and funded Afghan militia groups, who have been implicated in grave human rights abuses and the extrajudicial killings of civilians.

Even in the absence of active combat, unexploded ordnance and landmines continue to kill and injure civilians. Fields, roads, and school buildings are contaminated, often harming children as they go about their daily chores. The war has also inflicted invisible wounds, with the Afghan Ministry of Public Health reporting in 2009 that two-thirds of Afghans suffer from mental health issues.

The Afghanistan/Pakistan warzone has resulted in approximately 243,000 deaths since 2001, with over 70,000 civilians estimated to have died as a direct result of the war as of March 2023. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has documented civilian casualties, although data collection in such a dangerous environment is challenging. UNAMA's 2012 report showed the first drop in casualties since it began collecting data, with a 9% decrease overall, a 12% drop in deaths, and a 2% rise in injuries. However, the Taliban and other anti-government elements have been blamed for four out of five civilian deaths in Afghanistan in 2012, continuing a rising trend since 2007.

The war in Afghanistan has had a devastating impact on civilians, with countless lives lost, livelihoods destroyed, and communities displaced. The international community must address this crisis and work towards a peaceful resolution to end the suffering of the Afghan people.

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