Back into fray
By Cpl Corinne Boer

SPECIAL Forces will return to Afghanistan in an active role to seek out and disrupt the Taliban.

Prime Minister John Howard announced on April 10 that a Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) of about 300 personnel would soon deploy to Oruzgan province for at least two years.

“Its role will be to enhance provincial security by disrupting Taliban extremists’ command and control and supply routes,” Mr Howard said.

CDF ACM Angus Houston said the group, which would operate under an Australian commander, comprised SASR, commandos and IRR members.

“It’s a more robust group than last time, we’ve applied all the lessons learned from last time and I think we’ve got a very good, very well-led, very well-equipped group to deal with the very challenging environment that we face there,” ACM Houston said.

The troops are poised to actively search for Taliban fighters and disrupt their operations in a bid to stop the country becoming a safe haven for terrorists.

“Initially they’ll do a lot of special reconnaissance, but essentially their operations will be targeted on the Taliban, disrupting Taliban operations and going after the Taliban leadership,” ACM Houston said.

The SOTG deployment will enhance the security situation in the areas of southern Afghanistan where the RTF operates.

The Prime Minister admitted the task was dangerous and should not be underestimated.

“The advice received by the Government points to an elevated threat environment in Afghanistan,” he said.

“Our personnel are very well equipped and superbly trained and led. But we should all be fully conscious of, and prepared for, the possibility of casualties.

“I know that our personnel serving overseas, their families and support personnel at home are in the thoughts of all Australians.

“Afghanistan faces a crucial phase as international and Afghan national security forces work to consolidate the gains made since the overthrow of the Taliban regime. This new contribution underlines Australia’s continuing commitment to supporting the Afghan Government as it strives to deliver a stable future for its people.”

He said the Task Group’s activities would directly support the 400-strong RTF, support the development of Afghan security forces and help reinforce the legitimacy of the Afghan Government.

Apart from the SOTG, Mr Howard announced that additional logistics and intelligence capabilities would be dispatched as the ADF presence in Afghanistan grew to about 1000 personnel by mid-2008.

The previous SOTG returned to Australia last September.
 

AFGHANISTAN COMMITMENT:

• The extension until August 2008 of the existing 120-strong RTF Protection Coy Group.
   

• The return to Afghanistan of two Chinook helicopters in February 2008 following their refurbishment.
   

• A RAAF Mobile Control and Reporting Unit of about 75 personnel to Kandahar Airfield from mid-2007.
   

• Additional logistics and intelligence capabilities to support the commitment.

The total commitment in Afghanistan will be about 950 personnel by mid-2007 and will peak around 1000 in mid-2008.