Today marks 25 years since Australian troops were first deployed to Timor-Leste.
Around 5,500 Australian service personnel were sent to Timor-Leste in 1999, the largest deployment of Australian troops since the Vietnam War, after the Timorese voted for independence from Indonesia in 1999.
The minister for defence personnel, Matt Keogh, said in a statement:
We pay tribute to the six Australians who tragically lost their lives while deployed, or as a result of their service. We also recognise the remarkable resilience of the Timorese people and the enduring friendship between our two nations.
We are grateful to the many Australians who served in Timor-Leste who have regularly returned over these 25 years, strengthening the bonds and productivity of local communities.
As commemorative services are held all over Australia, we thank all who served and continue to serve to this day.
A commemorative service has been taking place at the Australian Peacekeeping Memorial on Anzac Parade in Canberra, where Keogh is delivering an address. We’ll bring you more from this, and photos from the service, as they filter through.
