What role did Australia play in the East Timor crisis?
Australia led the INTERFET operation in 1999, and provided substantial forces to the subsequent United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor and its successor operations. Australia also landed combat troops in the country in 2006 to quell ethnic fighting that involved East Timorese police and soldiers.
Did Australia send troops to East Timor?
Operation Astute was an Australian-led military deployment to East Timor to quell unrest and return stability in the 2006 East Timor crisis. Other countries deploying soldiers to East Timor include Malaysia, New Zealand and East Timor’s former colonial power Portugal, operating under independent command.
Who was involved in the East Timor war?
Indonesian invasion of East Timor
| Indonesian invasion of East Timor Operation Lotus | |
|---|---|
| Indonesia TNI UDT APODETI Supported by: Australia Saudi Arabia South Korea Republic of China (Taiwan) United States | East Timor FRETILIN (FALINTIL) Supported by: China Cuba Mozambique Soviet Union Sweden |
| Commanders and leaders |
Did Australia fight in Timor?
During the subsequent fighting, the Japanese suffered heavy casualties, but they were eventually able to contain the Australians….Battle of Timor.
| Date | 19 February 1942 – 10 February 1943 |
|---|---|
| Location | Dutch Timor and Portuguese Timor (present-day East Timor) |
| Result | Japanese victory |
Is Timor a free country?
East Timor became formally independent on 20 May 2002. Xanana Gusmão was sworn in as the country’s President. East Timor became a member of the UN on 27 September 2002. The two countries have defined most of their borders.
What makes East Timor unique?
There really is nothing else like Timor-Leste in South-East Asia which is what makes this place so unique. It’s South-East Asia, it has the beaches, it has the scenery, but no one else is here and its residents have not reached ‘jaded’ status.
Does Australia have a army?
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is the military organisation responsible for the defence of Australia and its national interests. It consists of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), Australian Army, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and several “tri-service” units.
Why did UN intervene in East Timor?
Soon after, the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) was established as a peacekeeping operation which was also fully responsible for the administration of East Timor to oversee its transition to independence.
Is East Timor safe?
Crime continues to be a problem in Timor-Leste, including gang-related violence, robbery (in some cases armed), and assault. Be vigilant at all times and avoid displaying expensive items of jewellery or carrying large sums of money. There have been reports of harassment and violence against women.
Why did Japan want Timor?
Timor was as important to Australia’s defence as New Guinea because it could be used to launch attacks on northern Australia. It was vital to the Japanese. In Allied hands, it could be used to launch an offensive against Japan’s forces in Indonesia, then known as The Netherlands East Indies.
How many Australians died in Timor?
Deaths as a result of service with Australian units
| Conflict | Dates of conflict | Number of deaths |
|---|---|---|
| Bougainville | 1997-2003 | 1 |
| East Timor | 16 September 1999 to 18 August 2003 | 2 |
| East Timor (Operation Astute) | 1999-2013 | 2 |
| Afghanistan | 11 October 2001 to present | 43 |
What is the language of Timor-Leste?
Portuguese
Tetun
Timor-Leste/Official languages
Timor-Leste (East Timor): Languages. This guide provides resources on the country’s history, languages, and government. Timor-Leste’s two official languages are Portuguese and Tetum, and its two working languages are English and Indonesian.
