Australian Defence Force (ADF) operations in Afghanistan will enter a new phase in the New Year to train, advise and assist local soldiers, defence authorities said Wednesday.
There are 400 Australian troops still in Afghanistan, who will undertake the work along with 9,800 American troops and other foreign soldiers.
The change marks the end of Operation Slipper, which has been Australia’s commitment to the NATO-led international mission in Afghanistan for the past 13 years.
The transition also recognises that the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) have now taken the lead for all combat operations.
Commander of Australia’s joint task force in Afghanistan, Major General David Mulhall, praised the efforts of the more than 26,500 Australian soldiers who have served in Afghanistan since 2002.
“As we move into this new operation, I also want to pay tribute to the 41 ADF personnel who lost their lives and those Australians who were wounded or became ill during this mission,” Xinhua quoted him as saying in a statement.
“Our own combat role finished at the end of 2013, and since then we have been focused on train, advise, assist roles with the ANSF, and we remain strongly committed to this task as we move into Operation Highroad,” Mulhall said.
Mulhall said there were still risks for Australian troops in Afghanistan.
“Our men and women continue to be exposed to danger and as such the Australian Defence Force is committed to ensuring all activities that our personnel undertake are thoroughly risk managed,” he said.
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
