Operation Okra, the Australian Defence Force's (ADF) contribution to the international coalition against Daesh in Iraq and Syria, has concluded with the remaining ADF personnel returning home this month.
Established in 2014, Operation Okra was Australia's commitment to the US-led multinational Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve, formed to secure a lasting defeat of the violent extremist group Daesh.
More than 4,800 ADF personnel deployed to the Middle East as part of Operation Okra.
Over the past 10 years, Operation Okra has included deployments of an Air Task Group, Task Group Taji, a Special Operations Task Group, and a number of ADF personnel embedded in coalition positions and liaison roles.
The Air Task Group completed more than 2,700 sorties against targets in Iraq and eastern Syria; flew more than 550 intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions; delivered more than 47.2 million kilograms of fuel by air-to-air refuelling; and supported numerous air transport sorties.
Task Group Taji, which concluded in 2020 after five years, trained more than 47,000 members of the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) through the joint Australia-New Zealand Building Partner Capacity Program at the Taji Military Complex north of Baghdad.
ISF capability was further enhanced by the Special Operations Task Group which assisted with training for advanced combat tactics, military working dog training, combat casualty care, explosives identification and neutralisation, and facilitating access to coalition airpower.
Operation Okra tangibly enhanced the ISF's ability to independently undertake operations against Daesh, enabling Australia and other nations to reduce direct military support.
While Operation Okra has ceased, Australia will continue to contribute with our partners to the security of the Middle East and support the maintenance of the global rules-based order.
Quotes attributable to the Chief of the Defence Force Admiral David Johnston AC RAN:
"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."
"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."
