Australia’s remaining military personnel under an international coalition in Iraq and Syria have returned home, officially ending the country’s posture against the Islamic State in the region.
Operation Okra was the Australian Defense Force’s contribution beginning in 2014 to the broader US-led Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve, which was formed in response to the violent extremist group Daesh, also known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS/ISIL).
Canberra sent over 4,800 soldiers to support the posture in the Middle East, with Operation Okra incorporating an air team, an integrated Australian-New Zealand task group, a special operations unit, and coalition and liaison subjects.
Through its decade-long mission, Operation Okra facilitated approximately 2,700 sorties against enemies in Iraq and eastern Syria, over 550 intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, supplied about 47.2 million kilograms (104 million pounds) of fuel through air-to-air replenishments, and “numerous” air transport sorties.
The program also trained more than 47,000 Iraqi Security Forces members in combat techniques, emergency, working dogs, explosives countermeasures, and airpower lessons in the north of Baghdad, which enabled them to conduct operations against Daesh independently and reduce direct military support from Operation Inherent Resolve members.
In its announcement, Australia’s Department of Defense clarified that the finalization of Operation Okra will still see the continuation of the government’s further support for partners in the Middle East against enemies of the global rules-based order.
“I am extremely proud of our Australian Defence Force servicemen and women, and their families, for their dedicated service in helping Iraq fight for a united and peaceful homeland,” Australian Defense Force Chief Admr. David Johnston remarked.
“Operation Okra demonstrated Australia’s resolve to support international efforts against terrorism and violent extremism.”
“A stable Middle East is in Australia’s national interest, and the excellent work of our Australian Defence Force members has made a tangible and important contribution to global security.”
