OP ASTUTE

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Private (PTE) Keiren Harris (30th Transport Squadron, 3rd Logistics Battalion New Zealand Defence Force), with Gunner (GNR) Keith Hoey (1st Field Regiment), PTE Gavin Dunn, PTE Michael Blenkinsopp (6th Battalion, the Royal Australia), all serving with the ANZAC Battle Group, whilst on a combined Quick Reaction Force patrol manned by the Australian and New Zealand Defence Force elements serving in Dili, Timor-Leste.

Deep Caption:

Operation Astute is the Australian Government's response to a request from the Government of Timor-Leste to assist in restoring peace to their country.

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has deployed to Timor-Leste with a mission to assist the Government and the United Nations to bring stability, security and confidence to the Timorese to allow them to resolve their differences democratically and peacefully.

Following a general improvement in the security situation and the establishment of a comprehensive commercial logistic support contract, logistic elements of the ADF no longer required for these duties have returned to Australia, leaving about 925 ADF personnel in Timor-Leste. This force will remain in Timor-Leste continuing to provide a robust response capability to support the International Police.

International police from Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand and the Guarda Nacional Republicana (GNR) from Portugal, provide security in Dili. The ADF provides support to these police operations as required.

The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) is working alongside the ADF to assist with this mission.

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