Omari Gates
In 1999, Australia led a multinational peacekeeping force in East Timor (now Timor-Leste), which was experiencing a humanitarian and security crisis as it emerged as an independent nation. This deployment, known as the International Force East Timor (INTERFET), was Australia's largest peacekeeping mission to date and the largest overseas military deployment since the Vietnam War.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year | 1999 |
| Country | East Timor |
| Size of Force | 5,500+ personnel |
| Commander | Major General Peter Cosgrove |
| Purpose | Peace enforcement, humanitarian assistance, security, protection, and support |
| Operation | International Force East Timor (INTERFET) |
| Transition | Handed over to UN-led mission in 2000 |
| Coalition | Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, and Portugal |
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What You'll Learn
- Australia's peacekeeping mission in East Timor in 1999 was its largest since the Vietnam War
- The International Force East Timor (INTERFET) was a non-UN force operating in accordance with UN resolutions
- INTERFET was commanded by Major General Peter Cosgrove
- INTERFET's role was to restore peace and security, protect UNAMET, and facilitate humanitarian assistance operations
- Australia's involvement in East Timor was instrumental in the nation gaining independence
Australia's peacekeeping mission in East Timor in 1999 was its largest since the Vietnam War
Australia has been involved in peacekeeping operations since 1947, when a small contingent of Australian peacekeepers was deployed to Indonesia. In 1999, Australia's involvement in peacekeeping reached a new level when it led a peacekeeping mission in East Timor, deploying a force of around 6,000 personnel—its largest since the Vietnam War.
The International Force East Timor (Interfet) was a multinational non-United Nations peacemaking task force, organised and led by Australia in accordance with United Nations resolutions. Interfet's role was to restore peace and security, protect and support the United Nations Mission in East Timor (UNAMET), and facilitate humanitarian assistance operations. The UNAMET was established to organise and conduct a referendum on East Timor's independence from Indonesia. The referendum, held on 30 August 1999, resulted in an overwhelming vote in favour of independence.
However, once the result was announced on 4 September, violent clashes instigated by suspected anti-independence militias sparked a humanitarian and security crisis in the region. Many East Timorese were killed, with around 500,000 displaced and half fleeing the territory. On 12 September 1999, the Indonesian government agreed to the deployment of a multinational peacekeeping force. Australia contributed over 5,500 personnel and the force commander, Major General Peter Cosgrove. The main Australian combat element included infantry and cavalry provided by the 3rd Brigade.
The mission secured East Timor and placed a defensive line on the western border with Indonesia, with Australian and New Zealand infantry strengthening this area. It also cemented Darwin as a vital logistical and defensive base. Australia continued to support the UN peacekeeping operation with between 1,500 and 2,000 personnel, landing craft, and Blackhawk helicopters. Australia remains the largest contributor of personnel to the peacekeeping mission.
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The International Force East Timor (INTERFET) was a non-UN force operating in accordance with UN resolutions
In 1999, Australia led a peacekeeping mission in East Timor, known as the International Force East Timor (INTERFET). This mission was a non-UN force, comprising troops from 22 nations, including Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, the UK, the US, Canada, and France. However, it operated in accordance with UN resolutions, specifically Resolution 1264, which called for a multinational force to restore peace and security to East Timor, protect and support the UN mission, and facilitate humanitarian assistance operations.
INTERFET was commanded by Major General Peter Cosgrove, and Australia contributed over 5,500 personnel, including infantry and cavalry from the 3rd Brigade. The Australian Deployable Joint Force Headquarters provided overall command and control. The force also included a significant airlift group, with Australian transport aircraft such as C-130 Hercules and DHC-4 Caribou. Australia was the largest contributor to the mission, providing 14 ships and various aircraft.
The mission's objectives were to restore peace and security, protect and support the United Nations Mission in East Timor (UNAMET), and facilitate humanitarian assistance operations. This was in response to the deteriorating situation in East Timor, which had emerged as an independent nation in 1999. The violence in the region had been uncontrolled, and Indonesia had agreed to the deployment of a multinational peacekeeping force. INTERFET forces began arriving on 12 September 1999, with the Australian forces landing at the port the next day.
INTERFET successfully restored peace and security in East Timor, and on 23 February 2000, the international force officially transferred its military command to the United Nations, and the Australia-led multinational force ceased to exist. The head of the UN Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) acknowledged the successful fulfilment of the UN Security Council's resolution, stating that "peace and security were restored in East Timor." Australia continued to support the UN peacekeeping operation with personnel, landing craft, and helicopters.
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INTERFET was commanded by Major General Peter Cosgrove
In 1999, Australia sent peacekeeping troops to East Timor, also known as Timor-Leste, as the country was emerging as an independent nation. This mission was called International Force East Timor (INTERFET).
Major General Cosgrove's leadership in East Timor brought him national fame and made him one of Australia's most respected and popular military leaders. He was later appointed Chief of the Army in 2000 and promoted to lieutenant general. Cosgrove's success in the Timor crisis gave him a level of public prominence never achieved by a military figure in Australia since World War II.
Cosgrove's determination to maintain peace and ensure a fresh start for the people of East Timor was reflected in his strong and commanding physical presence. His strategic thinking and ability to act quickly were crucial to the mission's success. The hand-over of command from INTERFET to the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) was completed on 28 February 2000, with Australia continuing to support the UN peacekeeping operation.
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INTERFET's role was to restore peace and security, protect UNAMET, and facilitate humanitarian assistance operations
In 1999, Australia sent peacekeeping troops to East Timor, which was emerging as an independent nation. The International Force East Timor (INTERFET) was a non-UN multinational coalition force, led by Australia, that aimed to restore peace and security, protect and support UNAMET, and facilitate humanitarian assistance operations.
INTERFET's primary role was to restore peace and security in East Timor. This involved establishing control over air and sea points of entry into the country, as well as maintaining control on the ground. The Australian-led force worked to put an end to the violence and attacks perpetrated by militias created, trained, and directed by the Indonesian military. INTERFET troops were deployed without heavy weapons and equipment, but with the support of naval assets from 10 nations, including Australia, the United States, France, and New Zealand.
INTERFET also had the important role of protecting and supporting UNAMET, the United Nations Mission in East Timor. Australia had previously contributed military liaison officers to UNAMET, and with the withdrawal of Indonesian forces, INTERFET provided further protection and support to facilitate UNAMET's work.
Additionally, INTERFET facilitated humanitarian assistance operations. The force was entirely self-supporting due to the lack of infrastructure and resources in East Timor. Australia, as the lead nation, provided crucial capabilities that were not supplied by other members of the coalition. This included combat support and service support, as well as logistical assistance.
INTERFET played a significant role in restoring peace and security, protecting UNAMET, and facilitating humanitarian assistance in East Timor. With a large contribution of personnel and resources, Australia's leadership in this peacekeeping mission helped pave the way for East Timor's transition to independence.
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Australia's involvement in East Timor was instrumental in the nation gaining independence
The involvement of Australian peacekeepers in East Timor from 1999 to 2012 was critical in the nation gaining independence. During this period, Australia was involved in four United Nations-sanctioned operations: INTERFET, UNTAET, UNMISET, and UNOTIL. Australia's role in these operations included providing security, supporting the transition to independence, and facilitating humanitarian assistance.
In addition to its peacekeeping efforts, Australia played a key role in supporting the East Timorese independence movement. Australia was the only country to recognize Indonesia's annexation of East Timor, but public opinion within Australia generally opposed the occupation and supported self-determination for East Timor. The Australian government changed its stance in 1998, and its diplomatic initiative supported East Timor's self-determination, prompting a referendum that led to East Timor's independence.
Australia's involvement in East Timor's transition to independence was not without controversy. Australia had initially supported Indonesia's incorporation of Portuguese Timor in the 1970s and cooperated with the Indonesian military during the invasion. However, Australia also provided sanctuary to East Timorese independence advocates and the feelings of the Australian public gradually turned against the occupation, particularly after the 1991 Santa Cruz incident and the violence that occurred after the 1999 referendum.
Overall, Australia's involvement in East Timor through peacekeeping operations, diplomatic initiatives, and public support for self-determination played a crucial role in the nation's transition to independence.
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Frequently asked questions
Australia sent peacekeeping troops to East Timor in 1999. This was part of a multinational peacekeeping force to help the country achieve independence and establish itself as a democratic country.
Australia contributed over 5,500 personnel to the peacekeeping mission in East Timor. This was Australia's largest deployment of troops since the Vietnam War.
Yes, Australia led the International Force East Timor (INTERFET) from 1999 to 2000. Major General Peter Cosgrove commanded the force, which was a non-UN operation carried out in accordance with UN resolutions.
