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The Australian government has announced that Australia will depart Afghanistan following over 20 years of war in the country, in line with recent announcements from the US.
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The Australian government confirmed on Friday that Australia will be withdrawing military personnel from Afghanistan, in line with the United States' recent announcements of a troop withdrawal from the country. Some 80 Australian Defence Force personnel serve in the country as part of the NATO Resolute Support Mission.
It is expected that Australia’s final Defence personnel will withdraw from the country by September.
In a statement from Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Defence Minister Peter Dutton, the government outlined that the withdrawal will ensure that the ADF remains focused on the Indo-Pacific as per the 2020 Defence Strategic Update.
Australia has made a significant contribution to the war in Afghanistan for over 20 years, having fought global terror fronts such as al-Qaeda. Australia lost 41 Defence members while on deployment, with more Defence members lost after returning to Australia.
The government outlined that it would continue its commitment to peace in Afghanistan with an ongoing diplomatic mission and development programs.
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