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United Nations

Australia Leads International Effort to Restore Order in East Timor

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Tens of thousands of refugees in East Timor are facing the threat of mass starvation and disease, prompting the United Nations to warn that emergency airdrops are needed within days to prevent widespread suffering. The Australian government has promised to "carry the bulk of the burden" of providing protection and aid, with a predominantly regional force, including up to 4500 Australian troops, expected to move into the region by the weekend.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Australian-led force is expected to move into East Timor by the weekend to restore order and deliver urgent aid to the refugee population.
  • The UN has warned that tens of thousands of Timorese who fled from militias and the Indonesian Army are facing the threat of mass starvation and disease.
  • The Australian government has committed up to 4500 troops to the international effort, with other countries contributing military personnel and equipment, including the United States, Britain, France, and others.
  • The UN Security Council is expected to approve a force as early as today, paving the way for rapid deployment.
  • The force will include Australian-led ground troops, as well as transportation, communication, and intelligence units from various countries.
  • The Indonesian government has been warned that failure to cooperate with the international effort will prompt "the same kind of pressure and isolation that they've been subject to up until now".

Statistics:

  • Up to 4500 Australian troops will participate in the international effort.
  • The force will include at least three frigates, up to 24 C-130 Hercules transport aircraft, four heavy landing craft, and other military equipment.
  • The US will contribute transport, communication, and intelligence units, as well as transport aircraft.
  • Britain will contribute a destroyer, HMNZS Glasgow, and up to 300 Ghurkas.
  • The UN has warned that the refugee population in East Timor is to be found in the mountains, with hundreds of thousands of people clustered without food or water.

Sources:

  • The New York Times, article by Michael Gordon, Auckland, and Bernard Lagan, Darwin (date not specified)
  • News article from various Australian media outlets (dates not specified)

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