Operation Okra in Iraq officially ends
Operation Okra, the Australian Defence Force’s contribution to the international coalition against Daesh in Iraq and Syria, has concluded with remaining ADF personnel returning home this month.
FILE PHOTO: An Aussie veteran of Task Group Taji. ADF photo.
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.
Operation Inherent Resolve officially transitioned from a combat role to an advise, assist, and enable role in 2024.
More than 4800 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 2700 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.
Chief of the Defence Force Admiral David Johnston said he was extremely proud of 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,” Admiral Johnston said.
“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.”
The Australian Government’s SmartTraveller web site continues to advise Australians not to travel to Iraq, or, if already there, leave immediately.
“The security situation remains volatile,” the web site says.
“Do not travel to Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, due to the volatile security situation and the threat of terrorism, armed conflict, kidnapping and violent crime.”
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