Operation Astute Explained
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
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
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] 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 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.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.
Timeline
May 2006
- 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
- 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
- Delta Company, 2/1 Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment of 123 New Zealand soldiers arrives in Dili.
June 2006
- 2 June
- 3 June
- 7 June
- 16 June
- Rebel Timorese soldiers begin handing their weapons over to Australian troops.[8]
- 27 June
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 26 October
- Brigadier Mal Rerden takes command of Joint Task Force 631, replacing Brigadier Mick Slater.
December 2006
- 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
- 26 January
March 2007
- 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
- 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
- 2 August
- Brigadier John Hutcheson takes over command from Brigadier Mal Rerden.[22]
January 2008
- 31 January
- Brigadier James Baker takes over command from Brigadier John Hutcheson.[23]
July 2008
- 31 July
- Brigadier Mark Holmes takes over command.[24]
January 2009
- 16 January
- Brigadier Bill Sowry takes over command from Brigadier Mark Holmes.[25]
Military units involved
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
Australian Army
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.
- Headquarters Joint Task Force 631
- Elements, 1st Military Police Battalion
- ANZAC Battle Group: This battle group includes elements of other units:[28]
- Headquarters, 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment
- B Company, 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment
- C Company, 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment
- Victor Company, 1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment
- Battery, 16th Air Defence Regiment (operating as infantry)
- Elements, 4th Field Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery
- Elements, 17 Construction Squadron, Royal Australian Engineers
- Elements, B Squadron, 3rd/4th Cavalry Regiment
- Elements, B Squadron, 5th Aviation Regiment
- Troop, 1st Aviation Regiment
The initial Australian Army force consisted of:
Royal Australian Navy
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
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
Malaysian Army
Royal Malaysian Navy
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.[37]
New Zealand
New Zealand Army
Royal New Zealand Air Force
Royal New Zealand Navy
Portugal
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
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
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.
See also
External links
Notes and References
- News: 2006-05-26 . Troops pour into Dili . en-AU . ABC News . 2023-03-27.
- News: 2006-05-26 . Dili calmer but still dangerous, Houston says . en-AU . ABC News . 2023-03-27.
- Web site: Status of Forces Agreements, May 2006 . 2023-03-27 . laohamutuk.org.
- Web site: Everingham . Sara . 24 October 2009 . East Timor discusses future role of Australian soldiers . usurped . https://web.archive.org/web/20160105221806/http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/2009-10-24/east-timor-discusses-future-role-of-australian-soldiers/146518 . 2016-01-05 . 2023-07-13 . ABC Radio Australia . Archive.org.
- Web site: Darwin . Lindsay Murdoch . 2010-12-23 . East Timor wants Diggers to leave . 2023-07-13 . The Age . en.
- East Timor – Press Conference, Parliament House, The Commonwealth Treasurer, 24 May 2006
- John Howard holds press conference on East Timor engagement, ABC News Online, 25 May 2006
- News: Barker . Anne . 2006-06-16 . E Timorese rebels surrender weapons . en-AU . ABC News . 2023-03-27.
- Web site: Goff . Phil . 28 June 2006 . Warning Shot Fired in Timor-Leste . 2023-03-27 . The Beehive . en.
- http://www.nzdf.mil.nz/news/media-releases/200606029-mtft.htm More New Zealand Troops for Timor
- News: 2006-07-18 . Troops not leaving Dili yet, says Howard . en-AU . ABC News . live . 2023-03-27 . https://web.archive.org/web/20080121200247/http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200607/s1689961.htm . 21 January 2008.
- News: Montlake . Simon . 2006-06-16 . East Timor rebels hand over weapons . en-GB . The Guardian . 2023-03-27 . 0261-3077.
- Drawdown of Timor Deployment Starts. Australian Department of Defence media release. 3 August 2006.
- Returning troops praised. Townsville Bulletin. 8 August 2006
- Emotional welcome for troops. Townsville Bulletin. 28 August 2006
- NZDF Troops to Return from Timor . New Zealand Defence Force press release. 28 August 2006
- Deployment of Troops to Timor Leste. Australian Department of Defence media release. 7 September 2006.
- Battle Group Faithful Returns from Timor-Leste. Australian Department of Defence media release. 19 September 2006.
- http://www.laohamutuk.org/reports/UN/07MOU-TL-UN-Aus.htm 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
- http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/Top_News/2007/05/09/all_quiet_in_timorleste_presidential_vote/ "All quiet in Timor-Leste presidential vote"
- http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,21704592-2,00.html "Australian spy plane crashes into Timorese home"
- http://www.thewest.com.au/aapstory.aspx?StoryName=405473 "New commander takes over in East Timor"
- http://www.minister.defence.gov.au/Fitzgibbontpl.cfm?CurrentId=7406 Change of command in Timor-Leste
- http://army.gov.au/opEx/global/opastute/bios/markHolmes/index.htm Operation ASTUTE: Brigadier Mark Holmes, MVO: Commander International Stabilisation Force (CISF), East Timor
- http://www.defence.gov.au/media/DepartmentalTpl.cfm?CurrentId=8681 Change of command in Australian East Timor mission
- Portuguese military land in East Timor. Wikinews. 4 June 2006.
- Cpl Mike McSweeney 6 RAR off to Timor. Army News. 7 September 2006.
- 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
- John Hunter Farrell, 'Dili Madness. The ANZAC Intervention in Timor Leste' in Australian and NZ Defender. No. 55 Spring 2006. Page 34.
- Delivering the goods. Army. 13 July 2006.
- Making Most of Flying Time. Army News. 27 July 2006.
- Restoring calm and stability. Defence Magazine. June 2006.
- Troubled Waters. Navy News. 1 June 2006.
- John Hunter Farrell, 'Dili Madness. The ANZAC Intervention in Timor Leste' in Australian and NZ Defender No. 55 Spring 2006. Page 38.
- Malaysia Sends 209 Soldiers To Help Quell Unrest In Timor Leste . Bernama. 26 May 2006.
- 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
- http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=206042 M'sian Police To Take Over From M'sian Troops In Timor Leste
- Timor-Leste . New Zealand Defence Force. 29 May 2006.
- Loadmasters help reposition Australian Defense Forces. Air Force Print News. 30 May 2006.
- Isle jets move aid for E. Timor . Star Bulletin. 8 June 2006.
- FAST Platoon to Provide Security at U.S. Embassy Dili . United States Pacific Command. 26 May 2006.
- http://www.defence.gov.au/budget/07-08/pbs/2007-2008_Defence_PBS_03_s1_ch2.pdf Page 23
- Web site: Archived copy . 9 February 2013 . 14 February 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140214055301/http://www.defence.gov.au/budget/09-10/pbs/2009-2010_Defence_PBS_03_department.pdf . dead .
- Web site: Department of Defence Ministers. 5 September 2021.
- Web site: Australian Defence Force (ADF) operations .
- Web site: Defence Ministers » Minister for Defence – Budget 2012-13 Defence Operations Funding . 2013-11-11 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20131021113524/http://www.minister.defence.gov.au/2012/05/08/minister-for-defence-budget-2012-13-defence-operations-funding/ . 21 October 2013 .
Australia
New Zealand
Malaysia
Portugal