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The Australian flag descended at Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve in Kuwait for the final time in December, marking the cessation of Operation Okra.
The operation comprised more than a decade of ADF deployments to the region supporting the multinational coalition in its fight against Daesh, in roles within the Air Task Group, Task Group Taji training force, Special Operations Task Group, and a range of embed and liaison positions.
Around 4800 ADF personnel supported the operation between August 2014 and December 2024. Officials have affirmed that while the ADF is leaving, Australia is still fully committed to the Middle East region.
Commander of the Australian Contingent Colonel Mark Coyle said it had been a pleasure to serve within the mission.
“Australians have made significant contributions to the coalition over the past decade,” he said.
“As we draw Okra to a close, the ADF and our nation can and should be extremely proud of the men and women who have contributed to the enduring defeat of Daesh.
“The nations we worked with were all from different backgrounds, with diverse training techniques and unique approaches to the mission objectives and how to achieve them.
“This was both a challenge and a great opportunity to not only appreciate how they operated, but to learn from each other.
“Australia has a shared interest in maintaining the global rules-based order, and supporting security and stability in the region,” he said.
“The ADF continues to provide targeted contributions, including commitments to peacekeeping and maritime operations.”
Operation Okra 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.
Operation Okra tangibly enhanced the Iraqi Security Forces' ability to independently undertake operations against Daesh, enabling Australia and other nations to reduce direct military support - according to Defence.
