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{{Use Australian English|date=July 2011}}
{{Short description|Australian military operation}}
{{Use Australian English|date=July 2016}}
⚫
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2023}}
{{Infobox military conflict
{{Infobox military conflict
|conflict =Operation Astute
|conflict =Operation Astute
|partof =
|partof =[[2006 East Timorese crisis]]
|image =[[File:Australian support to Dili Fire Service.jpg|300px]]
|image =Australian support to Dili Fire Service.jpg
|image_size =300px
|caption =Australian soldiers supporting the Dili Fire Service in June 2006
|caption =Australian soldiers supporting the Dili Fire Service in June 2006
|date =25 May 2006 – 25 May 2013
|date =25 May 2006 – 25 May 2013
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|status =
|status =
|combatants_header =
|combatants_header =
|combatant1 ={{flag|Australia|23px}}<br>{{flag|New Zealand|23px}}<br>{{flag|Malaysia|23px}}<br>{{flag|Portugal|23px}}<br>{{flag|East Timor|23px}} {{small|(government troops)}}<br/>{{flag|United Nations|23px}} soldiers
|combatant1 ={{flag|Australia|23px}}<br />{{flag|New Zealand|23px}}<br />{{flag|Malaysia|23px}}<br />{{flag|Portugal|23px}}<br />{{flag|East Timor|23px}} {{small|(government troops)}}<br />{{flag|United Nations|23px}} soldiers
|combatant2 =Renegade elements of the [[Timor Leste Defence Force|FDTL]]
|combatant2 =Renegade elements of the [[Timor Leste Defence Force|FDTL]]
|commander1 ={{flagicon image|Flag of Australia.svg}} [[Bill Sowry]]<br>{{flagicon image|Flag of Australia.svg}} [[Mick Mumford]]<br>{{flagicon image|Flag of Malaysia.svg}} [[Ismeth Nayan Ismail]]<br>{{flagicon image|Flag of Portugal.svg}} Jorge Barradas<br>{{flagicon image|Flag of East Timor.svg}} [[Taur Matan Ruak]]
|commander1 ={{flagicon image|Flag of Australia.svg}} [[Bill Sowry]]<br />{{flagicon image|Flag of Australia.svg}} [[Mick Mumford]]<br />{{flagicon image|Flag of Malaysia.svg}} Ismeth Nayan Ismail<br />{{flagicon image|Flag of Portugal.svg}} Jorge Barradas<br />{{flagicon image|Flag of East Timor.svg}} [[Taur Matan Ruak]]
|commander2 =[[Gastão Salsinha]]<br>[[Alfredo Reinado]] {{KIA}}
|commander2 =[[Gastão Salsinha]]<br />[[Alfredo Reinado]] {{KIA}}
|units1 =
|units1 =
|units2 =
|units2 =
|strength1 =13,536 troops<br>372 police<br>9 ships
|strength1 =13,536 troops<br />372 police<br />9 ships
|strength2 =Unknown
|strength2 =Unknown
|casualties1 =Unknown
|casualties1 =Unknown
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|campaignbox =
|campaignbox =
}}
}}
'''Operation Astute''' was an [[Australian Defence Force|Australian]]-led military deployment to [[East Timor]] to quell unrest and return stability in the [[2006 East Timor crisis]]. It was headed by Brigadier Bill Sowry, and commenced on 25 May 2006 under the command of Brigadier [[Michael Slater (army)|Michael Slater]]. The operation was established at the request of East Timor's government, and continues under an understanding reached between Australia, East Timor, and the United Nations, with the [[United Nations Integrated Mission in East Timor]] supporting and helping to develop East Timor's police force. Other countries deploying soldiers to East Timor include [[Malaysia]], [[New Zealand]] and East Timor's former [[Colonialism|colonial power]] [[Portugal]], operating under independent command.
'''Operation Astute''' was an [[Australian Defence Force|Australian]]-led military deployment to [[East Timor]] to quell unrest and return stability in the [[2006 East Timor crisis]]. It was headed by Brigadier Bill Sowry, and commenced on 25 May 2006 under the command of Brigadier [[Michael Slater (army)|Michael Slater]]. The operation was established at the request of East Timor's government, and continued under an understanding reached between Australia, East Timor, and the United Nations, with the [[United Nations Integrated Mission in East Timor]] supporting and helping to develop East Timor's police force. Other countries deploying soldiers to East Timor include [[Malaysia]], [[New Zealand]] and East Timor's former [[Colonialism|colonial power]] [[Portugal]], operating under independent command.


==Initial tasks==
==Initial tasks==
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==Deployment==
==Deployment==
[[File:AK 08-0020-58.jpg - Flickr - NZ Defence Force.jpg|thumb|[[UH-1 Iroquois]] flying over [[Dili]]. The ''[[Cristo Rei of Dili]]'' can be seen in the background]]
A forward deployment of approximately 200, including a [[Australian commandos|commando company]] from the [[4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment|4th Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment]], secured an entry point for follow-on forces centred on [[Transport in East Timor|Dili Airport]].
A forward deployment of approximately 200, including a [[Australian commandos|commando company]] from the [[4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment|4th Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment]] & C Coy, [[2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment|2nd Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment]], secured an entry point for follow-on forces centred on [[Transport in East Timor|Dili Airport]]. The full deployment consisted of a battalion group of about 1,800 personnel drawn from the [[2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment|2nd Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment]] & [[3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment|3rd Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment]] and other Australian and New Zealand Army units. Evacuations were carried out by [[C-130 Hercules]] aircraft from the [[Royal Australian Air Force]], using [[RAAF Base Darwin]] as a [[Forward Operating Base]].<ref name="Troops pour into Dili">{{Cite news |date=2006-05-26 |title=Troops pour into Dili |language=en-AU |work=ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2006-05-26/troops-pour-into-dili/1763268 |access-date=2023-03-27}}</ref>


Initial assets deployed included the guided-missile frigate [[HMAS Adelaide (FFG 01)|HMAS ''Adelaide'']], the replenishment vessel [[HMAS Success (AOR-304)|HMAS ''Success'']] and the amphibious landing/hospital ship [[HMAS Kanimbla (L-51)|HMAS ''Kanimbla'']]. Landing ships [[HMAS Tobruk (L50)|HMAS ''Tobruk'']] and [[HMAS Manoora (L-52)|HMAS ''Manoora'']] were also sent to East Timor with follow-on forces.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2006-05-26 |title=Dili calmer but still dangerous, Houston says |language=en-AU |work=ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2006-05-26/dili-calmer-but-still-dangerous-houston-says/1763264 |access-date=2023-03-27}}</ref>[[File:OH 07-0205 - Flickr - NZ Defence Force.jpg|thumb|A New Zealand ISF soldier patrols Dili on polling day. Support for candidate Horta is displayed in background.]]Operation Astute was established at the request of East Timor's government. Troops from former [[INTERFET]] nations including mostly from [[Malaysia]], [[New Zealand]] and [[Portugal]] have augmented the Australian force. Prior to sending troops, each participating government negotiated a [[Status of Forces Agreement]] (SOFA) with the government of [[East Timor]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Status of Forces Agreements, May 2006 |url=http://www.laohamutuk.org/reports/UN/06SOFAs.html |access-date=2023-03-27 |website=laohamutuk.org}}</ref>
The full deployment consisted of a battalion group of about 1,800 personnel drawn from the [[3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment|3rd Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment]] and other Australian and New Zealand Army units. Evacuations were carried out by [[C-130 Hercules]] aircraft from the [[Royal Australian Air Force]], using [[RAAF Base Darwin]] as a [[Forward Operating Base|forward operating base]].<ref name="Troops pour into Dili">''[http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200605/s1648084.htm Troops pour into Dili]'', [[ABC News Online]], 26 May 2006</ref>


Besides Australia, New Zealand and, for a time, the [[Malaysian Army]] forces began arriving on 26 May by air<ref name="Troops pour into Dili" /> and Portugal had also sent troops to East Timor. Initially, over 3,000 soldiers were deployed, but after the United Nations sent an international police mission ([[United Nations Integrated Mission in East Timor|UNMIT]]) at the end of August 2006 and the situation calmed down, troop numbers were reduced. The ISF and UNMIT now jointly maintained law and order and helped rebuild the East Timorese security forces. An important task of both was also to ensure that the [[2007 East Timorese presidential election|presidential]] and [[2007 East Timorese parliamentary election|parliamentary elections]] in 2007 proceeded reasonably peacefully. Australia, however, insisted that the ISF remain under its leadership and not under UN leadership.
Initial assets deployed included the guided-missile frigate [[HMAS Adelaide (FFG 01)|HMAS ''Adelaide'']], the replenishment vessel [[HMAS Success (AOR-304)|HMAS ''Success'']] and the amphibious landing/hospital ship [[HMAS Kanimbla (L-51)|HMAS ''Kanimbla'']]. Landing ships [[HMAS Tobruk (L50)|HMAS ''Tobruk'']] and [[HMAS Manoora (L-52)|HMAS ''Manoora'']] were also sent to East Timor with follow-on forces.<ref>''[http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200605/s1648214.htm Dili calmer but still dangerous, Houston says]'', [[ABC News Online]] 26 May 2006</ref>


The ISF's attempt to capture the fugitive leader of the 2006 rebel soldiers, [[Alfredo Reinado]], was unsuccessful. An attempted seizure in Same failed despite the deployment of an Australian special force and helicopters. Reinado was later killed in an [[2008 East Timorese assassination attempts|assassination attempt]] on the East Timorese leadership on 11 February 2008.
Operation Astute was established at the request of East Timor's government. Troops from former [[INTERFET]] nations including mostly from [[Malaysia]], [[New Zealand]] and [[Portugal]] have augmented the Australian force. Prior to sending troops, each participating government negotiated a [[Status of Forces Agreement]] (SOFA) with the government of [[East Timor]].<ref>''[http://www.laohamutuk.org/reports/UN/06SOFAs.html Status of Forces Agreements: May 2006]'', [[La'o Hamutuk]], 1 September 2006</ref>


In February 2008, following the attack, Australia initially increased its troops from 800 to 1000. By the end of October 2008, the ISF still consisted of a total of about 1000 men. Australia provided soldiers from the [[Australian and New Zealand Army Corps|ANZAC]] Battle Group of the 1st Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment from [[Townsville]]. In addition, there were units from the [[Army aviation|Army Aviation]], Logistics, Military Police and Pioneers. In October 2009, the Australian contingent was down to 650 men.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Everingham |first=Sara |date=24 October 2009 |title=East Timor discusses future role of Australian soldiers |url=http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/2009-10-24/east-timor-discusses-future-role-of-australian-soldiers/146518 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105221806/http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/2009-10-24/east-timor-discusses-future-role-of-australian-soldiers/146518 |archive-date=2016-01-05 |access-date=2023-07-13 |website=ABC Radio Australia |via=[[Archive.org]]}}</ref> New Zealand still provided 155 soldiers in December 2009. These included an Infantry Rifle Company attached to the ANZAC Battle Group and two Iroquois helicopters with 32 members of No 3 Squadron of the [[Royal New Zealand Air Force]].
[[Malaysian Army]] forces began arriving on 26 May, by air.<ref name="Troops pour into Dili"/>
[[File:20120114adf8270845 048.JPG - Flickr - NZ Defence Force.jpg|thumb|Handover ceremony to East Timor Authorities in 2012]]
In 2010, the force was reduced to 400 Australian and 75 New Zealand soldiers.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Darwin |first=Lindsay Murdoch |date=2010-12-23 |title=East Timor wants Diggers to leave |url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/east-timor-wants-diggers-to-leave-20101223-196kv.html |access-date=2023-07-13 |website=The Age |language=en}}</ref> The rebel movement subsequently collapsed in the following weeks. Troops were gradually reduced due to the progress made in stabilising the country, and it was decided to withdraw foreign security forces after the 2012 [[2012 East Timorese presidential election|presidential]] and [[2012 East Timorese parliamentary election|parliamentary]] elections.<ref name=":0" />


==Timeline==
==Timeline==

===May 2006===
===May 2006===
;24 May
;24 May
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;25 May
;25 May
* 07:00 (Canberra) Prime Minister of Australia John Howard arrives back in Canberra from Dublin early, though not officially because of the East Timor crisis.
* 07:00 (Canberra) Prime Minister of Australia John Howard arrives back in Canberra from Dublin early, though not officially because of the East Timor crisis.
* 12:30 (Darwin) A [[Royal Australian Air Force|RAAF]] [[No. 34 Squadron RAAF|34SQN]] [[Bombardier Challenger 600|Challenger 604]] (VIP jet) was tasked to fly the Australian Vice Chief of Defence Force from [[Defence Establishment Fairbairn|Canberra]] to [[Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport|Dili]] via [[RAAF Base Darwin|Darwin]], to negotiate the rules of engagement of the Australian operation, and other conditions of deployment. However on arrival in Darwin the [[Chief of the Defence Force (Australia)|Chief of the Defence Force]] ordered the aircraft to remain in Darwin, due to a dramatic increase in violence in Dili.
* 12:30 (Darwin) A [[Royal Australian Air Force|RAAF]] [[No. 34 Squadron RAAF|34SQN]] [[Bombardier Challenger 600|Challenger 604]] (VIP jet) was tasked to fly the Australian Vice Chief of Defence Force from [[Defence Establishment Fairbairn|Canberra]] to [[Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport|Dili]] via [[RAAF Base Darwin|Darwin]], to negotiate the rules of engagement of the Australian operation, and other conditions of deployment. However, on arrival in Darwin the [[Chief of the Defence Force (Australia)|Chief of the Defence Force]] ordered the aircraft to remain in Darwin, due to a dramatic increase in violence in Dili.
* (Dili) [[Royal Australian Air Force|RAAF]] [[No. 37 Squadron RAAF|37SQN]] [[C-130J|C130J Hercules]] aircraft arrive at [[Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport|Dili]] from [[RAAF Base Darwin|Darwin]] with 130 [[Australian commandos|commandos]] on board, together with 4 [[Australian Army]] [[Sikorsky S-70|Black Hawk]] helicopters. The Vice Chief of Defence Force was also on board the C130, after being unable to fly to Dili on the RAAF VIP jet. Dili Airport is now under Australian military control. However the VCDF is unable to leave the airport due to security concerns.
* (Dili) [[Royal Australian Air Force|RAAF]] [[No. 37 Squadron RAAF|37SQN]] [[C-130J|C130J Hercules]] aircraft arrive at [[Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport|Dili]] from [[RAAF Base Darwin|Darwin]] with 130 [[Australian commandos|commandos]] on board, together with 4 [[Australian Army]] [[Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk|Black Hawk]] helicopters. The Vice Chief of Defence Force was also on board the C130, after being unable to fly to Dili on the RAAF VIP jet. Dili Airport is now under Australian military control. However the VCDF is unable to leave the airport due to security concerns.
* (Dili) [[HMAS Adelaide (FFG 01)|HMAS Adelaide]] arrives in Dili Harbour.
* (Dili) [[HMAS Adelaide (FFG 01)|HMAS Adelaide]] arrives in Dili Harbour.
* 18:43 (Canberra) Prime Minister John Howard announces in a press conference that the deployment will "go ahead without any conditionality" and that 1300 troops would be in place "in a very short order", despite a failure to negotiate conditions of the deployment with the East Timorese Government. He explains waiting for signatures could lead to significant further bloodshed and the East Timorese Government is desperate for Australian troops to arrive.<ref>''[http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2006/s1647641.htm John Howard holds press conference on East Timor engagement]'', [[ABC News Online]], 25 May 2006</ref>
* 18:43 (Canberra) Prime Minister John Howard announces in a press conference that the deployment will "go ahead without any conditionality" and that 1300 troops would be in place "in a very short order", despite a failure to negotiate conditions of the deployment with the East Timorese Government. He explains waiting for signatures could lead to significant further bloodshed and the East Timorese Government is desperate for Australian troops to arrive.<ref>''[http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2006/s1647641.htm John Howard holds press conference on East Timor engagement]'', [[ABC News Online]], 25 May 2006</ref>
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;29 May
;29 May
[[File:ISF troops landing on Timor beach.jpg|thumb|Australian ISF troops land in [[Comoro River|Comoro]] (2006)]]
* The initial deployment of Australian soldiers is completed.
* The initial deployment of Australian soldiers is completed.
* A platoon of 42 New Zealand soldiers arrives in Dili to secure the New Zealand embassy.
* A platoon of 42 New Zealand soldiers arrives in Dili to secure the New Zealand embassy.


;31 May
;31 May
[[File:ISF soldier provides security to UNOTIL compound.jpg|thumb|ISF soldier provides security to UNOTIL compound]]
* Delta Company, 2/1 Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment of 123 New Zealand soldiers arrives in Dili.
* Delta Company, 2/1 Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment of 123 New Zealand soldiers arrives in Dili.


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; 16 June
; 16 June
* Rebel Timorese soldiers begin handing their weapons over to Australian troops.<ref>''[http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200606/s1665119.htm E Timorese rebels surrender weapons]'' [[ABC News Online]]. 16 June 2006.</ref>
* Rebel Timorese soldiers begin handing their weapons over to Australian troops.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Barker |first=Anne |date=2006-06-16 |title=E Timorese rebels surrender weapons |language=en-AU |work=ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2006-06-16/e-timorese-rebels-surrender-weapons/1779710 |access-date=2023-03-27}}</ref>


; 27 June
; 27 June
[[File:21 Timor - ISF Joint Australian-New Zealand vehicle check point.jpg|thumb|ANZAC Vehicle Check Point (VCP) near [[Hera (East Timor)|Hera]], a few kilometres east of Dili.]]
* It is announced that a New Zealander soldier fired a warning shot during the week of 18–24 June. This is apparently the first shot fired during the intervention.<ref>[http://www.beehive.govt.nz/ViewDocument.aspx?DocumentID=26264 ''Warning Shot Fired in Timor-Leste''] New Zealand Minister for Defence press release. 27 June 2006.</ref>
* It is announced that a New Zealand soldier fired a warning shot during the week of 18–24 June. This is apparently the first shot fired during the intervention.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Goff |first=Phil |date=28 June 2006 |title=Warning Shot Fired in Timor-Leste |url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/warning-shot-fired-timor-leste |access-date=2023-03-27 |website=The Beehive |language=en}}</ref>


===July 2006===
===July 2006===
; 1 July
; 1 July
* 50 soldiers from 2/1 RNZIR and other units fly to Timor Leste to replace members of the initial New Zealand force.<ref>[http://www.nzdf.mil.nz/news/media-releases/200606029-mtft.htm ''More New Zealand Troops for Timor'] [[New Zealand Defence Force]] press release. 29 June 2006.</ref>
* 50 soldiers from 2/1 RNZIR and other units fly to Timor Leste to replace members of the initial New Zealand force.<ref>[http://www.nzdf.mil.nz/news/media-releases/200606029-mtft.htm ''More New Zealand Troops for Timor''] [[New Zealand Defence Force]] press release. 29 June 2006.</ref>


; 18 July
; 18 July
* Australian Prime Minister [[John Howard]] visits Timor Leste. During his visit he announced that the Australian force in the country will be gradually reduced.<ref>''[http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200607/s1689961.htm Troops not leaving Dili yet, says Howard]''. [[ABC News Online]]. 18 July 2006.</ref>
* Australian Prime Minister [[John Howard]] visits Timor Leste. During his visit he announced that the Australian force in the country will be gradually reduced.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2006-07-18 |title=Troops not leaving Dili yet, says Howard |language=en-AU |work=ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2006-07-18/troops-not-leaving-dili-yet-says-howard/1804550 |url-status=live |access-date=2023-03-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080121200247/http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200607/s1689961.htm |archive-date=21 January 2008}}</ref>


; 19 July
; 19 July
* HMAS ''Kanimbla'' departs Timor Leste for Australia carrying 250 soldiers and four S-70A Blackhawk helicopters.<ref>''[http://www.smh.com.au/news/World/Peacekeepers-to-check-weapons-in-E-Timor/2006/07/19/1153166432389.html Peacekeepers to check weapons in E Timor]''. [[The Sydney Morning Herald]]. 19 July 2006.</ref>
* HMAS ''Kanimbla'' departs Timor Leste for Australia carrying 250 soldiers and four S-70A Blackhawk helicopters.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Montlake |first=Simon |date=2006-06-16 |title=East Timor rebels hand over weapons |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2006/jun/16/easttimor |access-date=2023-03-27 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>


===August 2006===
===August 2006===
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; 28 August
; 28 August
* It is announced that 44 New Zealand military personnel will return home from Timor Leste on 31 August.<ref>''[http://www.nzdf.mil.nz/news/media-releases/20060828-nzdfttrft.htm NZDF Troops to Return from Timor]''. New Zealand Defence Force press release. 28 August 2006</ref>
* It is announced that 44 New Zealand military personnel will return home from Timor Leste on 31 August.<ref>''[http://www.nzdf.mil.nz/news/media-releases/20060828-nzdfttrft.htm NZDF Troops to Return from Timor] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061009124331/http://www.nzdf.mil.nz/news/media-releases/20060828-nzdfttrft.htm |date=9 October 2006 }}''. New Zealand Defence Force press release. 28 August 2006</ref>


===September 2006===
===September 2006===
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===January 2008===
===January 2008===
;31 January
;31 January
[[File:AK 08-0019-93.jpg - Flickr - NZ Defence Force.jpg|thumb|Joint New Zealand - Australian ISF projecting air power in the village of [[Aileu]]]]
*Brigadier James Baker takes over command from Brigadier John Hutcheson.<ref>[http://www.minister.defence.gov.au/Fitzgibbontpl.cfm?CurrentId=7406 Change of command in Timor-Leste], Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP, Australian Minister for Defence, 29 January 2008.</ref>
*Brigadier James Baker takes over command from Brigadier John Hutcheson.<ref>[http://www.minister.defence.gov.au/Fitzgibbontpl.cfm?CurrentId=7406 Change of command in Timor-Leste] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080720134127/http://www.minister.defence.gov.au/Fitzgibbontpl.cfm?CurrentId=7406 |date=20 July 2008 }}, Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP, Australian Minister for Defence, 29 January 2008.</ref>


===July 2008===
===July 2008===
[[File:Brigadier Mark Holmes releases a dove.jpg|thumb|Brigadier Mark Holmea]]
[[File:Brigadier Mark Holmes releases a dove.jpg|thumb|Brigadier Mark Holmes]]
;31 July
;31 July
*Brigadier Mark Holmes takes over command.<ref>[http://army.gov.au/opEx/global/opastute/bios/markHolmes/index.htm Operation ASTUTE: Brigadier Mark Holmes, MVO: Commander International Stabilisation Force (CISF), East Timor], Australian Government Department of Defence.</ref>
*Brigadier Mark Holmes takes over command.<ref>[http://army.gov.au/opEx/global/opastute/bios/markHolmes/index.htm Operation ASTUTE: Brigadier Mark Holmes, MVO: Commander International Stabilisation Force (CISF), East Timor], Australian Government Department of Defence.</ref>
Line 173: Line 184:
Operation Astute is an Australian military operation. While the Malaysian and New Zealand contingents operate under overall Australian command, the Portuguese contingent operates under Portuguese national command.<ref name="Wikinews on Portuguese in E Timor">''[[n:Portuguese military land in East Timor|Portuguese military land in East Timor]]''. [[Wikinews]]. 4 June 2006.</ref> The initial Australian units deployed as part of the operation fell under the operational command of Brigadier Michael Slater, the commander of the [[Australian 3rd Brigade]]. The major unit involved in land operations was the 3rd Battalion under its commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel [[Mick Mumford]]. This force was replaced in early September 2006 by a battalion group based around the [[6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment]] designated the ANZAC Battle Group.<ref>Cpl Mike McSweeney ''[http://www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews/editions/1151/topstories/story08.htm 6 RAR off to Timor]''. ''Army News''. 7 September 2006.</ref>
Operation Astute is an Australian military operation. While the Malaysian and New Zealand contingents operate under overall Australian command, the Portuguese contingent operates under Portuguese national command.<ref name="Wikinews on Portuguese in E Timor">''[[n:Portuguese military land in East Timor|Portuguese military land in East Timor]]''. [[Wikinews]]. 4 June 2006.</ref> The initial Australian units deployed as part of the operation fell under the operational command of Brigadier Michael Slater, the commander of the [[Australian 3rd Brigade]]. The major unit involved in land operations was the 3rd Battalion under its commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel [[Mick Mumford]]. This force was replaced in early September 2006 by a battalion group based around the [[6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment]] designated the ANZAC Battle Group.<ref>Cpl Mike McSweeney ''[http://www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews/editions/1151/topstories/story08.htm 6 RAR off to Timor]''. ''Army News''. 7 September 2006.</ref>


==={{flagu|Australia}}===
===Australia===
====Australian Army====
====Australian Army====
[[File:ISF equipment and tactic demonstration to PNTL.jpg|thumb|Australian ISF equipment and tactic demonstration to the [[National Police of East Timor|PNTL]]]]
[[File:ISF soldiers on bike patrol.jpg|thumb|Australian ISF soldiers in Dili on bike patrol (2009)]]


Australia currently has approximately 404 personnel deployed to Timor-Leste, the majority of whom are formed into the ''ANZAC Battle Group'', named due to the presence of a rifle company from the New Zealand Army integrated in its structure.
Australia currently has approximately 404 personnel deployed to Timor-Leste, the majority of whom are formed into the ''ANZAC Battle Group'', named due to the presence of a rifle company from the New Zealand Army integrated in its structure.
Line 193: Line 206:
The initial Australian Army force consisted of:
The initial Australian Army force consisted of:
* Headquarters elements, [[Australian 3rd Brigade|3rd Brigade]]
* Headquarters elements, [[Australian 3rd Brigade|3rd Brigade]]
* [[3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment]] (3 RAR) battle group ('[[Battle Group Faithful]]'). This [[battlegroup (army)|battle group]] included the following elements of other units:
* [[3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment]] (3 RAR) battle group ('Battle Group Faithful'). This [[battlegroup (army)|battle group]] included the following elements of other units:
** Airborne Combat Team Bravo, [[3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment|3 RAR]]
** Airborne Combat Team Bravo, [[3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment|3 RAR]]
** A Company, [[1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment|1 RAR]]
** A Company, [[1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment|1 RAR]]
** C and D Companies, [[2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment|2 RAR]]
** C and D Companies, [[2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment|2 RAR]]
** G (108 Field Battery) Company, [[4th Field Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery]] (operating as [[infantry]])
** G (108 Field Battery) Company, [[4th Field Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery]] (operating as [[infantry]])
** [[Australian 3rd/4th Cavalry Regiment|B Squadron, 3rd/4th Cavalry Regiment]] (originally equipped with 33 x [[M113 armored personnel carrier]]s)
** [[Australian 3rd/4th Cavalry Regiment|B Squadron, 3rd/4th Cavalry Regiment]] (originally equipped with 33 x [[M113 armoured personnel carrier]]s)
** 16 Combat Engineer Squadron, [[3rd Combat Engineer Regiment (Australia)|3rd Combat Engineer Regiment]]
** 16 Combat Engineer Squadron, [[3rd Combat Engineer Regiment (Australia)|3rd Combat Engineer Regiment]]
* Commando Company Group, [[4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment|4th Battalion (Commando), Royal Australian Regiment]]
* Commando Company Group, [[4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment|4th Battalion (Commando), Royal Australian Regiment]]
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** Four [[OH-58 Kiowa|Kiowa]] light observation helicopters, [[1st Aviation Regiment (Australia)|1st Aviation Regiment]]<ref>''[http://www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazine/editions/200606/coverstory/coverstory.htm Restoring calm and stability]''. ''Defence Magazine''. June 2006.</ref>
** Four [[OH-58 Kiowa|Kiowa]] light observation helicopters, [[1st Aviation Regiment (Australia)|1st Aviation Regiment]]<ref>''[http://www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazine/editions/200606/coverstory/coverstory.htm Restoring calm and stability]''. ''Defence Magazine''. June 2006.</ref>
** Detachment, Emergency Response Squadron, [[Australian Incident Response Regiment|Incident Response Regiment]]
** Detachment, Emergency Response Squadron, [[Australian Incident Response Regiment|Incident Response Regiment]]
** Detachment, 9th Petroleum Platoon, [providing bulk fuel support to aircraft and land vehicle's to ensure the mission was achieved.]
** Detachment, 9th Petroleum Platoon, [providing bulk fuel support to aircraft and land vehicles to ensure the mission was achieved.]


====Royal Australian Navy====
====Royal Australian Navy====
Line 235: Line 248:
33SQN are assisting the operation by transporting troops from [[RAAF Base Townsville]] to [[RAAF Base Darwin]], however only 36SQN and 37SQN have been flying from Darwin to [[Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport|Dili]].
33SQN are assisting the operation by transporting troops from [[RAAF Base Townsville]] to [[RAAF Base Darwin]], however only 36SQN and 37SQN have been flying from Darwin to [[Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport|Dili]].


==={{flagcountry|Malaysia}}===
===Malaysia===

====Malaysian Army====
====Malaysian Army====
⚫
* 209 parachute soldiers from the [[10 Paratrooper Brigade|10th Paratrooper Brigade]]<ref>''[http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/state_news/news.php?id=199913&cat=ct Malaysia Sends 209 Soldiers To Help Quell Unrest In Timor Leste] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120204145504/http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/state_news/news.php?id=199913&cat=ct |date=4 February 2012 }}''. [[Bernama]]. 26 May 2006.</ref>

⚫
* 209 parachute special force soldiers from the [[10 Paratrooper Brigade|10th Paratrooper Brigade]]<ref>''[http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/state_news/news.php?id=199913&cat=ct Malaysia Sends 209 Soldiers To Help Quell Unrest In Timor Leste]''. [[Bernama]]. 26 May 2006.</ref>
* Transport aircraft
* Transport aircraft
* Elements, [[Royal Malay Regiment|19th Battalion, Royal Malay Regt (Mechanised)]]
* Elements, [[Royal Malay Regiment|19th Battalion, Royal Malay Regt (Mechanised)]]
Line 244: Line 257:


====Royal Malaysian Navy====
====Royal Malaysian Navy====
⚫
* Elements from [[PASKAL]] (Naval Special Forces)<ref>[http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/archive.asp?y=2006&dt=0621&pub=utusan_malaysia&sec=polis%5F%26%5Ftentera&pg=te_01.htm&arc=hive ''Malcon bantu perdamaian Timor Leste''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930185438/http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/archive.asp?y=2006&dt=0621&pub=utusan_malaysia&sec=polis_&_tentera&pg=te_01.htm&arc=hive|date=30 September 2007}} [[Utusan Online]].</ref>

⚫
* Elements from [[PASKAL]] (Navy Special Force)<ref>[http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/archive.asp?y=2006&dt=0621&pub=utusan_malaysia&sec=polis%5F%26%5Ftentera&pg=te_01.htm&arc=hive ''Malcon bantu perdamaian Timor Leste''] [[Utusan Online]].</ref>
* Two warships; [[KD Mahawangsa|KD ''Mahawangsa'']] and [[KD Sri Indera Sakti|KD ''Indera Sakti'']]
* Two warships; [[KD Mahawangsa|KD ''Mahawangsa'']] and [[KD Sri Indera Sakti|KD ''Indera Sakti'']]


====Royal Malaysian Police====
====Royal Malaysia Police====
⚫
The Malaysian Government currently anticipates replacing the Malaysian military force with [[Pasukan Gerakan Khas]] and [[General Operations Force]] operators of the [[Royal Malaysia Police]] at the end of July.<ref>[http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=206042 ''M'sian Police To Take Over From M'sian Troops In Timor Leste''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929104849/http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=206042 |date=29 September 2007 }} [[Bernama]]. 30 June 2006</ref>

⚫
The Malaysian Government currently anticipates replacing the Malaysian military force with [[Pasukan Gerakan Khas]] and [[General Operations Force]] operators of the [[Royal Malaysian Police]] at the end of July.<ref>[http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=206042 ''M'sian Police To Take Over From M'sian Troops In Timor Leste''] [[Bernama]]. 30 June 2006</ref>


==={{flagcountry|New Zealand}}===
===New Zealand===
[[File:20111103adf8270845 144.JPG - Flickr - NZ Defence Force.jpg|thumb|New Zealander ISF Soldiers welcoming the arriving personnel with a traditional [[Māori culture|Māori]] [[Pōwhiri|Powhiri]] (welcome ceremony) on Thursday, 03 November 2011.]]
[[File:20111031adf8270845 018.JPG - Flickr - NZ Defence Force.jpg|thumb|Honouring of New Zealand ISF soldiers by President Ramos-Horta (2011)]]


==== New Zealand Army ====
==== New Zealand Army ====
⚫
* Delta Company (reinforced), [[Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment|2/1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment]]<ref>''[http://www.nzdf.mil.nz/operations/deployments/east-timor/default.htm Timor-Leste] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120504054840/http://www.nzdf.mil.nz/operations/deployments/east-timor/default.htm |date=4 May 2012 }}''. [[New Zealand Defence Force]]. 29 May 2006.</ref> (Integrated into [[Operation Astute#Australian Army|ANZAC Battle Group]])
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:NZ Solider Dili.jpg|right|thumb|220px|A New Zealand soldier outside the country's embassy in Dili|{{deletable image-caption|1=Saturday, 17 November 2007}}]] -->
⚫
* Delta Company (reinforced), [[Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment|2/1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment]]<ref>''[http://www.nzdf.mil.nz/operations/deployments/east-timor/default.htm Timor-Leste]''. [[New Zealand Defence Force]]. 29 May 2006.</ref> (Integrated into [[Operation Astute#Australian Army|ANZAC Battle Group]])
* Military police section, 2nd Military Police Platoon
* Military police section, 2nd Military Police Platoon


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==== Royal New Zealand Navy ====
==== Royal New Zealand Navy ====
* [[HMNZS Endeavour (A11)]]
* [[HMNZS Endeavour (A11)|HMNZS ''Endeavour'']]
* [[HMNZS Canterbury (F421)]]
* [[HMNZS Canterbury (F421)|HMNZS ''Canterbury'']]
* [[HMNZS Te Kaha (F77)]]
* [[HMNZS Te Kaha (F77)|HMNZS ''Te Kaha'']]


==={{flagcountry|Portugal}}===
===Portugal===
While the Portuguese forces deployed to East Timor are not operating under Australian command, they are acting in cooperation with the Australian, Malaysian and New Zealand forces which are under Australian command.<ref name="Wikinews on Portuguese in E Timor"/>
While the Portuguese forces deployed to East Timor are not operating under Australian command, they are acting in co-operation with the Australian, Malaysian and New Zealand forces which are under Australian command.<ref name="Wikinews on Portuguese in E Timor"/>


* Bravo Detachment of the [[Portuguese Republican National Guard|Republican National Guard]] (GNR), initially with 120 soldiers and now with about 200
* Bravo Detachment of the [[Portuguese Republican National Guard|Republican National Guard]] (GNR), initially with 120 soldiers and now with about 200
* 16 officers from the [[Grupo de Operações Especiais (Portugal)|Special Operations Group]] (GOE) of the Public Security Police
* 16 officers from the [[Grupo de Operações Especiais (Portugal)|Special Operations Group]] (GOE) of the Public Security Police


==={{flagcountry|United States}}===
===United States===
[[Image:C-17 Australians (USAF).jpg|thumb|220px|Australian soldiers disembark from a USAF C-17 at [[RAAF Base Richmond]] on 28 May 2006]]
[[Image:C-17 Australians (USAF).jpg|thumb|220px|Australian soldiers disembark from a USAF C-17 at [[RAAF Base Richmond]] on 28 May 2006]]
* Two [[C-17 Globemaster III]] transport aircraft from the [[15th Airlift Wing]]
* Two [[C-17 Globemaster III]] transport aircraft from the [[15th Airlift Wing]]
* 6 person Combat Mobility Element from the [[15th Logistics Readiness Squadron]]
* 6 person Combat Mobility Element from the [[15th Logistics Readiness Squadron]]


The two United States aircraft flew transport flights between Australian air bases (mainly [[RAAF Base Townsville]] and [[RAAF Base Darwin]]) and were not deployed to East Timor. The aircraft did, however, visit the [[Solomon Islands]] in order pick up Australian equipment and personnel.<ref>''[http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123020899 Loadmasters help reposition Australian Defense Forces]''. [[Air Force Print News]]. 30 May 2006.</ref> The USAF force completed its mission on 3 June.<ref>''[http://starbulletin.com/2006/06/08/news/story12.html Isle jets move aid for E. Timor]''. ''[[Star Bulletin]]''. 8 June 2006.</ref>
The two United States aircraft flew transport flights between Australian air bases (mainly [[RAAF Base Townsville]] and [[RAAF Base Darwin]]) and were not deployed to East Timor. The aircraft did, however, visit the [[Solomon Islands]] in order pick up Australian equipment and personnel.<ref>''[http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123020899 Loadmasters help reposition Australian Defense Forces]''. [[Air Force Print News]]. 30 May 2006.</ref> The USAF force completed its mission on 3 June.<ref>''[http://starbulletin.com/2006/06/08/news/story12.html Isle jets move aid for E. Timor] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080725151245/http://starbulletin.com/2006/06/08/news/story12.html |date=25 July 2008 }}''. ''[[Star Bulletin]]''. 8 June 2006.</ref>


In addition, a platoon of the [[United States Marine Corps]] [[Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team]] was flown into Dili by a [[United States Navy]] [[C-40 Clipper]] on 26 May to secure the US embassy in Dili.<ref>''[http://www.pacom.mil/news/news2006/060526dili.shtml FAST Platoon to Provide Security at U.S. Embassy Dili]''. [[United States Pacific Command]]. 26 May 2006.</ref> This platoon does not appear to have fallen under Australian command as part of Operation Astute.
In addition, a platoon of the [[United States Marine Corps]] [[Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team]] was flown into Dili by a [[United States Navy]] [[C-40 Clipper]] on 26 May to secure the US embassy in Dili.<ref>''[http://www.pacom.mil/news/news2006/060526dili.shtml FAST Platoon to Provide Security at U.S. Embassy Dili] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060615110314/http://www.pacom.mil/news/news2006/060526dili.shtml |date=15 June 2006 }}''. [[United States Pacific Command]]. 26 May 2006.</ref> This platoon does not appear to have fallen under Australian command as part of Operation Astute.


==Cost==
==Cost==
The cost of Operation Astute has represented the third largest operation expenditure between 2006 and 2008, and the second largest from 2009. Below is the yearly expenditure on Operation Astue of the Australian Defence Force.
The cost of Operation Astute has represented the third largest operation expenditure between 2006 and 2008, and the second largest from 2009. Below is the yearly expenditure on Operation Astute of the Australian Defence Force.


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
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! Year !! 2007 !! 2008 !! 2009 !! 2010 !! 2011 !! 2012 !! 2013
! Year !! 2007 !! 2008 !! 2009 !! 2010 !! 2011 !! 2012 !! 2013
|-
|-
| Cost (AUD$ million)|| $107.7<ref>http://www.defence.gov.au/budget/07-08/pbs/2007-2008_Defence_PBS_03_s1_ch2.pdf Page 23</ref> || $169.1<ref>http://www.defence.gov.au/budget/09-10/pbs/2009-2010_Defence_PBS_03_department.pdf</ref>|| $213.8<ref>http://www.defence.gov.au/budget/09-10/pbs/2009-2010_Defence_PBS_03_department.pdf</ref> || $151.1<ref>http://www.defence.gov.au/minister/90tpl.cfm?CurrentId=10273</ref>|| $170<ref>http://www.defence.gov.au/minister/90tpl.cfm?CurrentId=10273</ref>|| $160.2<ref>http://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Parliamentary_Departments/Parliamentary_Library/pubs/rp/BudgetReview201112/ADF</ref> || $89<ref>http://www.minister.defence.gov.au/2012/05/08/minister-for-defence-budget-2012-13-defence-operations-funding/</ref>
| Cost (AUD$ million)|| $107.7<ref>http://www.defence.gov.au/budget/07-08/pbs/2007-2008_Defence_PBS_03_s1_ch2.pdf Page 23</ref> || $169.1<ref name="defence.gov.au">{{Cite web |url=http://www.defence.gov.au/budget/09-10/pbs/2009-2010_Defence_PBS_03_department.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=9 February 2013 |archive-date=14 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140214055301/http://www.defence.gov.au/budget/09-10/pbs/2009-2010_Defence_PBS_03_department.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>|| $213.8<ref name="defence.gov.au"/> || $151.1<ref name="ReferenceA">{{Cite web|url=http://www.defence.gov.au/minister/90tpl.cfm?CurrentId=10273|title=Department of Defence Ministers|date=5 September 2021}}</ref>|| $170<ref name="ReferenceA"/>|| $160.2<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Parliamentary_Departments/Parliamentary_Library/pubs/rp/BudgetReview201112/ADF | title=Australian Defence Force (ADF) operations }}</ref> || $89<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.minister.defence.gov.au/2012/05/08/minister-for-defence-budget-2012-13-defence-operations-funding/ |title=Defence Ministers » Minister for Defence – Budget 2012-13 Defence Operations Funding |access-date=2013-11-11 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021113524/http://www.minister.defence.gov.au/2012/05/08/minister-for-defence-budget-2012-13-defence-operations-funding/ |archive-date=21 October 2013 }}</ref>
|}
|}


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==References==
==References==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}
{{reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category|International Stabilization Force}}
{{Commons category|International Stabilization Force}}
*[http://www.defence.gov.au/opastute/default.htm Operation Astute]
*[http://www.defence.gov.au/opastute/default.htm Operation Astute]
{{wikinewshas|several news stories relating to this article|
{{wikinews|has=several news stories relating to this article| Multinational force sent to East Timor| Fighting in Dili continues ahead of multinational deployment}}
*[[n:Multinational force sent to East Timor|Multinational force sent to East Timor]]
*[[n:Fighting in Dili continues ahead of multinational deployment|Fighting in Dili continues ahead of multinational deployment]]}}

⚫
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2012}}


{{coord missing|East Timor}}
{{coord missing|East Timor}}
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[[Category:United Nations operations in East Timor]]
[[Category:United Nations operations in East Timor]]
[[Category:Military history of East Timor]]
[[Category:Military history of East Timor]]
[[Category:Military history of Malaysia]]
[[Category:Military operations involving Malaysia|Astute]]
[[Category:Non-combat military operations involving Australia|Astute]]
[[Category:Non-combat military operations involving Australia|Astute]]
[[Category:2006 in East Timor]]
[[Category:2006 in East Timor]]

Latest revision as of 08:51, 18 May 2024

Operation Astute
Part of 2006 East Timorese crisis

Australian soldiers supporting the Dili Fire Service in June 2006
Date25 May 2006 – 25 May 2013
Location
East Timor
Result Stabilisation of East Timor
Belligerents
 Australia
 New Zealand
 Malaysia
 Portugal
 East Timor (government troops)
 United Nations soldiers		 Renegade elements of the FDTL
Commanders and leaders
Bill Sowry
Mick Mumford
Ismeth Nayan Ismail
Jorge Barradas
Taur Matan Ruak		 Gastão Salsinha
Alfredo Reinado  †
Strength
13,536 troops
372 police
9 ships		 Unknown
Casualties and losses
Unknown Unknown

Operation Astute was an Australian-led military deployment to East Timor to quell unrest and return stability in the 2006 East Timor crisis. It was headed by Brigadier Bill Sowry, and commenced on 25 May 2006 under the command of Brigadier Michael Slater. The operation was established at the request of East Timor's government, and continued under an understanding reached between Australia, East Timor, and the United Nations, with the United Nations Integrated Mission in East Timor supporting and helping to develop East Timor's police force. Other countries deploying soldiers to East Timor include Malaysia, New Zealand and East Timor's former colonial power Portugal, operating under independent command.

Initial tasks[edit]

The initial tasks of the operation were to:

  • Allow for the evacuation of foreigners.
  • Restore stability and confine conflict to secured areas.
  • Assess and locate the weapons possessed by conflicting groups.
  • Establish a safe environment for dialogue to resolve the crisis.

Deployment[edit]

UH-1 Iroquois flying over Dili. The Cristo Rei of Dili can be seen in the background

A forward deployment of approximately 200, including a commando company from the 4th Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment & C Coy, 2nd Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment, secured an entry point for follow-on forces centred on Dili Airport. The full deployment consisted of a battalion group of about 1,800 personnel drawn from the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment & 3rd Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment and other Australian and New Zealand Army units. Evacuations were carried out by C-130 Hercules aircraft from the Royal Australian Air Force, using RAAF Base Darwin as a Forward Operating Base.[1]

Initial assets deployed included the guided-missile frigate HMAS Adelaide, the replenishment vessel HMAS Success and the amphibious landing/hospital ship HMAS Kanimbla. Landing ships HMAS Tobruk and HMAS Manoora were also sent to East Timor with follow-on forces.[2]

A New Zealand ISF soldier patrols Dili on polling day. Support for candidate Horta is displayed in background.

Operation Astute was established at the request of East Timor's government. Troops from former INTERFET nations including mostly from Malaysia, New Zealand and Portugal have augmented the Australian force. Prior to sending troops, each participating government negotiated a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) with the government of East Timor.[3]

Besides Australia, New Zealand and, for a time, the Malaysian Army forces began arriving on 26 May by air[1] and Portugal had also sent troops to East Timor. Initially, over 3,000 soldiers were deployed, but after the United Nations sent an international police mission (UNMIT) at the end of August 2006 and the situation calmed down, troop numbers were reduced. The ISF and UNMIT now jointly maintained law and order and helped rebuild the East Timorese security forces. An important task of both was also to ensure that the presidential and parliamentary elections in 2007 proceeded reasonably peacefully. Australia, however, insisted that the ISF remain under its leadership and not under UN leadership.

The ISF's attempt to capture the fugitive leader of the 2006 rebel soldiers, Alfredo Reinado, was unsuccessful. An attempted seizure in Same failed despite the deployment of an Australian special force and helicopters. Reinado was later killed in an assassination attempt on the East Timorese leadership on 11 February 2008.

In February 2008, following the attack, Australia initially increased its troops from 800 to 1000. By the end of October 2008, the ISF still consisted of a total of about 1000 men. Australia provided soldiers from the ANZAC Battle Group of the 1st Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment from Townsville. In addition, there were units from the Army Aviation, Logistics, Military Police and Pioneers. In October 2009, the Australian contingent was down to 650 men.[4] New Zealand still provided 155 soldiers in December 2009. These included an Infantry Rifle Company attached to the ANZAC Battle Group and two Iroquois helicopters with 32 members of No 3 Squadron of the Royal New Zealand Air Force.

Handover ceremony to East Timor Authorities in 2012

In 2010, the force was reduced to 400 Australian and 75 New Zealand soldiers.[5] The rebel movement subsequently collapsed in the following weeks. Troops were gradually reduced due to the progress made in stabilising the country, and it was decided to withdraw foreign security forces after the 2012 presidential and parliamentary elections.[5]

Timeline[edit]

May 2006[edit]

24 May
  • 21:59 (Canberra) Acting Prime Minister of Australia, Peter Costello, announced in a press conference that East Timor had requested Australia "send defence forces to East Timor to help in maintaining and re-establishing public order". Australia would send an advance party including the Vice Chief of Defence force to negotiate conditions of the deployment the following morning.[6]
25 May
  • 07:00 (Canberra) Prime Minister of Australia John Howard arrives back in Canberra from Dublin early, though not officially because of the East Timor crisis.
  • 12:30 (Darwin) A RAAF 34SQN Challenger 604 (VIP jet) was tasked to fly the Australian Vice Chief of Defence Force from Canberra to Dili via Darwin, to negotiate the rules of engagement of the Australian operation, and other conditions of deployment. However, on arrival in Darwin the Chief of the Defence Force ordered the aircraft to remain in Darwin, due to a dramatic increase in violence in Dili.
  • (Dili) RAAF 37SQN C130J Hercules aircraft arrive at Dili from Darwin with 130 commandos on board, together with 4 Australian Army Black Hawk helicopters. The Vice Chief of Defence Force was also on board the C130, after being unable to fly to Dili on the RAAF VIP jet. Dili Airport is now under Australian military control. However the VCDF is unable to leave the airport due to security concerns.
  • (Dili) HMAS Adelaide arrives in Dili Harbour.
  • 18:43 (Canberra) Prime Minister John Howard announces in a press conference that the deployment will "go ahead without any conditionality" and that 1300 troops would be in place "in a very short order", despite a failure to negotiate conditions of the deployment with the East Timorese Government. He explains waiting for signatures could lead to significant further bloodshed and the East Timorese Government is desperate for Australian troops to arrive.[7]
  • (Darwin) The Royal Australian Air Force commence transporting troops to Dili. A 33SQN Boeing 707 ferries troops between Townsville and Darwin, whilst 36SQN C-130Hs and 37SQN C-130Js transport troops and supplies between Darwin and Dili. The flights also commence evacuations of civilians on the return legs. The flights continue throughout the night and the following day to form an air bridge between Darwin and Dili.
26 May
  • (Dili) Malaysian Army soldiers begin arrive in Dili. RAAF aircraft continue to transport troops and equipment.
  • United States Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team platoon arrives in Dili to protect the US Embassy.
27 May
29 May
Australian ISF troops land in Comoro (2006)
  • The initial deployment of Australian soldiers is completed.
  • A platoon of 42 New Zealand soldiers arrives in Dili to secure the New Zealand embassy.
31 May
ISF soldier provides security to UNOTIL compound
  • Delta Company, 2/1 Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment of 123 New Zealand soldiers arrives in Dili.

June 2006[edit]

2 June
3 June
7 June
16 June
  • Rebel Timorese soldiers begin handing their weapons over to Australian troops.[8]
27 June
ANZAC Vehicle Check Point (VCP) near Hera, a few kilometres east of Dili.
  • It is announced that a New Zealand soldier fired a warning shot during the week of 18–24 June. This is apparently the first shot fired during the intervention.[9]

July 2006[edit]

1 July
  • 50 soldiers from 2/1 RNZIR and other units fly to Timor Leste to replace members of the initial New Zealand force.[10]
18 July
  • Australian Prime Minister John Howard visits Timor Leste. During his visit he announced that the Australian force in the country will be gradually reduced.[11]
19 July
  • HMAS Kanimbla departs Timor Leste for Australia carrying 250 soldiers and four S-70A Blackhawk helicopters.[12]

August 2006[edit]

3 August
  • The Australian Government announces that the ADF has commenced a gradual drawdown of forces in Timor Leste due to the improving security situation. An infantry company, 23 armoured personnel carriers and support personnel are scheduled to depart Timor Leste over the next few weeks.[13]
7 August
14 August
27 August
28 August
  • It is announced that 44 New Zealand military personnel will return home from Timor Leste on 31 August.[16]

September 2006[edit]

7 September
  • It is announced that a rifle company from 1 RAR will be deployed to Timor Leste by 9 September to reinforce the Australian-led force following Alfredo Reinado's escape from prison on 30 August.[17]
19 September

October 2006[edit]

26 October
  • Brigadier Mal Rerden takes command of Joint Task Force 631, replacing Brigadier Mick Slater.

December 2006[edit]

17 December
  • Protests against UN troops intensify after they are accused of being responsible for the killing of a rebel gang member during factional clashes.

January 2007[edit]

26 January

March 2007[edit]

4 March
  • After cornering Reinado at a compound in Same, Australian Special Forces enter the town and conduct an assault. Reinado evades capture but five of his men are killed in the Battle of Same. The Timor Leste government subsequently called off the manhunt, preferring to pursue a dialogue with the rebels instead.

May 2007[edit]

9 May
  • Australian forces successfully supervise round two elections, with no reports of violence.[20]
10 May
  • An unmanned Australian spy plane on operations over East Timor crashes into a house in the densely populated eastern suburb of Becora in Dili. Military helicopters were quickly sent to locate the wreckage, and an investigation was scheduled to begin the next day into whether the crash was due to technical failure or operator error.[21]

August 2007[edit]

2 August
  • Brigadier John Hutcheson takes over command from Brigadier Mal Rerden.[22]

January 2008[edit]

31 January
Joint New Zealand - Australian ISF projecting air power in the village of Aileu
  • Brigadier James Baker takes over command from Brigadier John Hutcheson.[23]

July 2008[edit]

Brigadier Mark Holmes
31 July
  • Brigadier Mark Holmes takes over command.[24]

January 2009[edit]

16 January
  • Brigadier Bill Sowry takes over command from Brigadier Mark Holmes.[25]

Military units involved[edit]

Operation Astute is an Australian military operation. While the Malaysian and New Zealand contingents operate under overall Australian command, the Portuguese contingent operates under Portuguese national command.[26] The initial Australian units deployed as part of the operation fell under the operational command of Brigadier Michael Slater, the commander of the Australian 3rd Brigade. The major unit involved in land operations was the 3rd Battalion under its commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Mick Mumford. This force was replaced in early September 2006 by a battalion group based around the 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment designated the ANZAC Battle Group.[27]

Australia[edit]

Australian Army[edit]

Australian ISF equipment and tactic demonstration to the PNTL
Australian ISF soldiers in Dili on bike patrol (2009)

Australia currently has approximately 404 personnel deployed to Timor-Leste, the majority of whom are formed into the ANZAC Battle Group, named due to the presence of a rifle company from the New Zealand Army integrated in its structure.

The initial Australian Army force consisted of:

Royal Australian Navy[edit]

The Royal Australian Navy force committed to Operation Astute is apparently the largest amphibious task force in the Navy's history.[33]

Royal Australian Air Force[edit]

33SQN are assisting the operation by transporting troops from RAAF Base Townsville to RAAF Base Darwin, however only 36SQN and 37SQN have been flying from Darwin to Dili.

Malaysia[edit]

Malaysian Army[edit]

Royal Malaysian Navy[edit]

Royal Malaysia Police[edit]

The Malaysian Government currently anticipates replacing the Malaysian military force with Pasukan Gerakan Khas and General Operations Force operators of the Royal Malaysia Police at the end of July.[37]

New Zealand[edit]

New Zealander ISF Soldiers welcoming the arriving personnel with a traditional Māori Powhiri (welcome ceremony) on Thursday, 03 November 2011.
Honouring of New Zealand ISF soldiers by President Ramos-Horta (2011)

New Zealand Army[edit]

Royal New Zealand Air Force[edit]

Royal New Zealand Navy[edit]

Portugal[edit]

While the Portuguese forces deployed to East Timor are not operating under Australian command, they are acting in co-operation with the Australian, Malaysian and New Zealand forces which are under Australian command.[26]

United States[edit]

Australian soldiers disembark from a USAF C-17 at RAAF Base Richmond on 28 May 2006

The two United States aircraft flew transport flights between Australian air bases (mainly RAAF Base Townsville and RAAF Base Darwin) and were not deployed to East Timor. The aircraft did, however, visit the Solomon Islands in order pick up Australian equipment and personnel.[39] The USAF force completed its mission on 3 June.[40]

In addition, a platoon of the United States Marine Corps Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team was flown into Dili by a United States Navy C-40 Clipper on 26 May to secure the US embassy in Dili.[41] This platoon does not appear to have fallen under Australian command as part of Operation Astute.

Cost[edit]

The cost of Operation Astute has represented the third largest operation expenditure between 2006 and 2008, and the second largest from 2009. Below is the yearly expenditure on Operation Astute of the Australian Defence Force.

Year 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Cost (AUD$ million) $107.7[42] $169.1[43] $213.8[43] $151.1[44] $170[44] $160.2[45] $89[46]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b "Troops pour into Dili". ABC News. 26 May 2006. Retrieved 27 March 2023.
  2. ^ "Dili calmer but still dangerous, Houston says". ABC News. 26 May 2006. Retrieved 27 March 2023.
  3. ^ "Status of Forces Agreements, May 2006". laohamutuk.org. Retrieved 27 March 2023.
  4. ^ Everingham, Sara (24 October 2009). "East Timor discusses future role of Australian soldiers". ABC Radio Australia. Archived from the original on 5 January 2016. Retrieved 13 July 2023 – via Archive.org.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  5. ^ a b Darwin, Lindsay Murdoch (23 December 2010). "East Timor wants Diggers to leave". The Age. Retrieved 13 July 2023.
  6. ^ East Timor – Press Conference, Parliament House, The Commonwealth Treasurer, 24 May 2006
  7. ^ John Howard holds press conference on East Timor engagement, ABC News Online, 25 May 2006
  8. ^ Barker, Anne (16 June 2006). "E Timorese rebels surrender weapons". ABC News. Retrieved 27 March 2023.
  9. ^ Goff, Phil (28 June 2006). "Warning Shot Fired in Timor-Leste". The Beehive. Retrieved 27 March 2023.
  10. ^ More New Zealand Troops for Timor New Zealand Defence Force press release. 29 June 2006.
  11. ^ "Troops not leaving Dili yet, says Howard". ABC News. 18 July 2006. Archived from the original on 21 January 2008. Retrieved 27 March 2023.
  12. ^ Montlake, Simon (16 June 2006). "East Timor rebels hand over weapons". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 27 March 2023.
  13. ^ Drawdown of Timor Deployment Starts. Australian Department of Defence media release. 3 August 2006.
  14. ^ Returning troops praised. Townsville Bulletin. 8 August 2006
  15. ^ Emotional welcome for troops. Townsville Bulletin. 28 August 2006
  16. ^ NZDF Troops to Return from Timor Archived 9 October 2006 at the Wayback Machine. New Zealand Defence Force press release. 28 August 2006
  17. ^ Deployment of Troops to Timor Leste. Australian Department of Defence media release. 7 September 2006.
  18. ^ Battle Group Faithful Returns from Timor-Leste. Australian Department of Defence media release. 19 September 2006.
  19. ^ Memorandum of Understanding between the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, the United Nations, and Australia on the provision of assistance to the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, 26 January 2007.
  20. ^ "All quiet in Timor-Leste presidential vote", United Press International, 9 May 2007
  21. ^ "Australian spy plane crashes into Timorese home", News.com.au, 10 May 2007.
  22. ^ "New commander takes over in East Timor", The West, 2 August 2007.
  23. ^ Change of command in Timor-Leste Archived 20 July 2008 at the Wayback Machine, Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP, Australian Minister for Defence, 29 January 2008.
  24. ^ Operation ASTUTE: Brigadier Mark Holmes, MVO: Commander International Stabilisation Force (CISF), East Timor, Australian Government Department of Defence.
  25. ^ Change of command in Australian East Timor mission, media release, Australian Government Department of Defence, 19 January 2009.
  26. ^ a b Portuguese military land in East Timor. Wikinews. 4 June 2006.
  27. ^ Cpl Mike McSweeney 6 RAR off to Timor. Army News. 7 September 2006.
  28. ^ Australian Department of Defence Operation Astute. Retrieved 31 March 2007 and Capt Al Green '1RAR spread far and wide' in Army News Edition 1162, 22 March 2007
  29. ^ John Hunter Farrell, 'Dili Madness. The ANZAC Intervention in Timor Leste' in Australian and NZ Defender. No. 55 Spring 2006. Page 34.
  30. ^ Delivering the goods. Army. 13 July 2006.
  31. ^ Making Most of Flying Time. Army News. 27 July 2006.
  32. ^ Restoring calm and stability. Defence Magazine. June 2006.
  33. ^ Troubled Waters. Navy News. 1 June 2006.
  34. ^ John Hunter Farrell, 'Dili Madness. The ANZAC Intervention in Timor Leste' in Australian and NZ Defender No. 55 Spring 2006. Page 38.
  35. ^ Malaysia Sends 209 Soldiers To Help Quell Unrest In Timor Leste Archived 4 February 2012 at the Wayback Machine. Bernama. 26 May 2006.
  36. ^ Malcon bantu perdamaian Timor Leste Archived 30 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine Utusan Online.
  37. ^ M'sian Police To Take Over From M'sian Troops In Timor Leste Archived 29 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine Bernama. 30 June 2006
  38. ^ Timor-Leste Archived 4 May 2012 at the Wayback Machine. New Zealand Defence Force. 29 May 2006.
  39. ^ Loadmasters help reposition Australian Defense Forces. Air Force Print News. 30 May 2006.
  40. ^ Isle jets move aid for E. Timor Archived 25 July 2008 at the Wayback Machine. Star Bulletin. 8 June 2006.
  41. ^ FAST Platoon to Provide Security at U.S. Embassy Dili Archived 15 June 2006 at the Wayback Machine. United States Pacific Command. 26 May 2006.
  42. ^ http://www.defence.gov.au/budget/07-08/pbs/2007-2008_Defence_PBS_03_s1_ch2.pdf Page 23
  43. ^ a b "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 14 February 2014. Retrieved 9 February 2013.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  44. ^ a b "Department of Defence Ministers". 5 September 2021.
  45. ^ "Australian Defence Force (ADF) operations".
  46. ^ "Defence Ministers » Minister for Defence – Budget 2012-13 Defence Operations Funding". Archived from the original on 21 October 2013. Retrieved 11 November 2013.

External links[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to International Stabilization Force.
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