Ruqayyah Snyder
Australian troops have been deployed in various countries over the years, with operations dating back to 2001. Currently, Australian troops are serving in Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Middle East, as well as in Africa, with peacekeeping operations in Sudan and Darfur. In March 2011, approximately 1550 ADF personnel were deployed to Afghanistan as part of Operation Slipper, and RAAF aircraft conducted airstrikes in Iraq and Syria until 2018. The ADF also has a presence in the Solomon Islands, with 140 personnel contributing to the Regional Assistance Mission. Additionally, the ADF maintains small contributions to border operations between Israel, Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Countries where Australian troops are currently serving | Afghanistan, Iraq, Solomon Islands, Israel, Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Sudan, and Australia |
| Number of personnel deployed to Afghanistan | 1550 |
| Australian troops' role in Afghanistan | Part of Operation Slipper, Australia's contribution to the international coalition against terrorism |
| Australian troops' role in Iraq | Protecting the Australian embassy in Baghdad (Operation Kruger) and supporting the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (Operation Riverbank) |
| Australian troops' role in the Middle East and Africa | Peacekeeping operations, including support for the African Union – United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur |
| Australian troops' role in the Solomon Islands | Contribution to the Regional Assistance Mission |
| Australian troops' role in Australia | Providing security for major events and responding to natural disasters, such as the 2009 Victorian bushfires (Operation Vic Fire Assist) |
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What You'll Learn
Afghanistan
Australia has had a military presence in Afghanistan for two decades, with thousands of troops deployed over the course of a 20-year mission. The Australian Defence Force's (ADF) mission has been to "contain the threat from international terrorism", contributing around 80 defence personnel to NATO's Resolute Support mission in the country. Australian troops have been involved in training, advising, and assisting local forces.
In June 2021, Australia completed its formal troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, ending its long-term military commitment. The decision to withdraw was made amidst concerns about the resurgence of the Taliban and their increasing control over the country. The departure of Australian troops came as the United States was also nearing the end of its deployment, with reports indicating a complete withdrawal of American troops "within days".
The withdrawal of Australian troops from Afghanistan was not without controversy. There were serious doubts about the strategic wisdom of the retreat, and concerns about the impact on those who had worked with Australian forces. Afghan interpreters, contractors, journalists, and dual citizens were among those evacuated by the Australian military as the Taliban advanced towards Kabul. The Australian government faced criticism for its slow response in processing visa applications for Afghans who had worked alongside Australian troops and were at risk of retribution from the Taliban.
The former chief of the army, retired Lieutenant General Peter Leahy, reflected on the withdrawal, stating that it signified "the end of an era for the ADF" and expressing uncertainty about whether the mission had been worth it, given the prospect of "savage retribution" by the Taliban.
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Iraq
Australia joined a U.S.-led coalition in the Iraq War, providing one of the four most substantial combat force contingents during the 2003 invasion of Iraq, under the operational codename Operation Falconer. The initial Australian force consisted of around 500 special forces, three Royal Australian Navy ships, two AP-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft, two B707 Air-to-Air refuelling aircraft, C-130 Hercules transport aircraft, and No. 75 Squadron RAAF, including 14 F/A-18 Hornet fighters. The SAS entered Iraq by vehicle and U.S. helicopter and secured their area of responsibility after a week of fighting. They then patrolled the highways to block the escape of members of the Iraqi government and to prevent enemy foreign fighters from entering the country.
On April 11, the SAS Squadron captured the Al Asad Airbase, seizing over 50 MiG jets and 7.9 million kg of explosives. The Special Forces Task Group remained at Al Asad until the end of the war, after which most returned home, while a reinforced platoon was deployed to Baghdad to protect Australian diplomats. Australian troops began withdrawing from Iraq on June 1, 2008, and were completely withdrawn by July 28, 2009, with approximately 200 personnel remaining on logistical and air surveillance duties.
The cost of the Iraq War to Australian taxpayers is estimated to have exceeded AU$5 billion, including base wage and personnel costs, aid and reconstruction expenses, and Australia's diplomatic presence in Baghdad. No Australian military personnel were killed in direct combat action during Operation Falconer or Operation Catalyst, although one soldier died in 2015 from injuries sustained in an IED blast in 2004, and three died in accidents or while serving with British forces. Several others have been wounded, and as many as six Australians have been killed while working as private security contractors.
In 2014, RAAF combat forces, an Army special forces task force, and an Army training unit were deployed to the Middle East during Operation Okra as part of the international war against the Islamic State. RAAF aircraft conducted airstrikes in Iraq and provided command, control, and air-to-air refuelling for coalition forces. The special forces advised the Iraqi Army, and the training unit trained Iraqi soldiers. The RAAF combat aircraft completed operations in January 2018, and the other aircraft were withdrawn in September 2020, with the Army training force departing in mid-2020.
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Solomon Islands
The Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) was a multinational peacekeeping mission led by Australia. The first RAMSI forces arrived on 24 July 2003, and the last Australian troops returned home on 1 August 2013.
The peacekeeping mission was requested by the Solomon Islands Government to end the violence and restore law and order. The violence was largely driven by long-simmering inter-island rivalries between the capital city of Honiara and Malaita. In 2000, the Malaita Eagle Force carried out an attack on the government, taking Prime Minister Ulufa'alu hostage. He resigned the next day in exchange for his release. In 2003, riots broke out in Honiara after allegations that the general election was fixed with money from Chinese businessmen.
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) contributed to the RAMSI mission with a total of 7,270 personnel deployed during the country's support, of which 2,122 were Reserve personnel. The ADF provided security, material, and logistical assistance to police forces assisting the Solomon Islands Government. In 2004, an Australian Protective Service Officer, Adam Dunning, was ambushed and killed while on patrol in Honiara. A joint operation between the Royal Solomon Islands Police (RSIP) and Participating Police Force (PPF) resulted in the arrest of James Tatau, who was charged with Dunning's murder.
In 2011-12, Australia spent $43.5 million on its contribution to RAMSI. By 2013, the security situation in the Solomon Islands had stabilised, and the RAMSI mission officially ended on 30 June 2017.
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Syria
Australia's involvement in Syria has been part of the international war against the Islamic State (IS). Australian Defence Force (ADF) operations in the Middle East, including Syria, are known as Operation Okra. Operation Okra began on 31 August 2014, with the initial aim of combating ISIL threats in Iraq.
In June 2014, the case for international action against IS became more pressing as its jihadists swept from Syria into northern Iraq, linking up with insurgent cells and attacking checkpoints. In September 2014, the Australian Army deployed a Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) of around 200 personnel to the United Arab Emirates in preparation for operations to advise and assist Iraqi Security Forces.
In September 2015, Australian airstrikes were extended to Syria. RAAF aircraft conducted airstrikes in Syria and provided airborne command and control and air-to-air refuelling for coalition forces. In August 2015, it was reported that RAAF exchange personnel had begun flying General Atomics MQ-9 Reapers over Syria. The strikes within Syria were temporarily suspended in June 2017 after the US shot down a Syrian aircraft but resumed several days later.
In addition to the Australian bombers, Hercules transports, and the E-7 Wedgetail surveillance plane sent into the theatre, Australian special forces soldiers were deployed. Australian soldiers and intelligence officers were heavily involved in the fight, including contributing personnel to a secretive intelligence cell in Amman, Jordan, run by the CIA and United States Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC). This cell tracked and, in some instances, killed foreign fighters who had joined IS, including Australian citizens.
During World War II, Australian troops were also involved in the Syria-Lebanon campaign. Australian forces were part of the British and Commonwealth force that invaded Syria and Lebanon in 1941. The Australian contingent conducted an effective attack, "with a good plan carried through with great determination", despite the challenging terrain. Australian casualties during this campaign were high, with 416 men killed and 1,136 wounded.
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Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon
Australian troops have a long history of serving in the Middle East, dating back to World War I. During that conflict, Australian soldiers were involved in the Battle of the Wazzir in Cairo, Egypt, in 1915. Australian troops also served alongside Allied forces in the Middle East, primarily fighting against the Ottoman Empire.
In more recent times, Australian defence force personnel have been involved in potential evacuation operations in Lebanon. In 2024, Israel's top general warned of a possible ground operation into Lebanon, prompting fears of a wider regional conflict. The Australian government advised citizens to leave Lebanon as soon as possible, but acknowledged that assisting all Australians in the country would be challenging.
Australian troops have not been directly mentioned in the context of recent tensions between Israel and Lebanon. However, it is worth noting that some Australian residents with specialised skills were among the reservists called up by Israel to fight against Hamas in 2023. These individuals travelled to Israel independently or via a repatriation flight organised by the Israeli government.
Jordan was not found in the search results.
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Frequently asked questions
As of August 2014, Australian troops were deployed in the Middle East.
Australian troops have served in several countries over the years, including Japan, Russia, Sudan, Somalia, China, Greece, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Iraq, Indonesia, East Timor, Afghanistan, and the Solomon Islands.
The Australian government intends to improve the ADF's combat power and expand the number of military personnel, introducing new technologies and capabilities. The ADF will also focus on improving its intelligence capabilities and cooperation between services.
