Media Room: Media Releases

AUSTRALIANS BUILD PATROL BASE IN MIRABAD VALLEY

Australian and Afghan soldiers have worked together to establish a permanent security presence in the Mirabad Valley, Afghanistan.

As part of Operation Baz Panje, soldiers from the Townsville based Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force 2 (MRTF 2) and Afghan National Army (ANA) constructed a new patrol base enabling soldiers to maintain a permanent security presence in the region.

Planning for this operation commenced shortly after the MRTF 2 arrived in Afghanistan earlier this year.   The combat teams inserted into the area via a coalition air mobile operation which disrupted the insurgents’ ability to mount an effective response

“This was one of the largest air mobile operations involving Australian conventional forces since Vietnam and was highly successful in forcing the insurgents out of the area and creating a secure environment.” Major Trotter of the MRTF 2 said.

Construction of the new patrol base commenced after consultation with local leaders to best determine their security needs. The construction team included Australian Defence Force tradesmen and plant operators, working alongside ANA engineers.

The base, with amenities and hardened accommodation, will cater for ANA soldiers. Also included are facilities for coalition mentoring elements as well as joint headquarters to develop the ANA, in accordance with Australia’s objective to train and mentor the ANA.

Lieutenant Porter said the new patrol base was the first of its kind in this area.

“The establishment of this base allows the coalition and ANA to further demonstrate their ability to protect the Afghan population and provides opportunities for more development in the region. This base will show the benefits of a permanent security presence,” Lieutenant Porter said

MRTF 2 is part of Operation Slipper, Australia’s contribution to coalition efforts against international terrorism.  Interviews can be arranged by contacting Defence media and imagery is available at

http://www.defence.gov.au/opEx/global/opslipper/images/gallery/2009/1029/index.htm

Media contact: Defence Media Liaison: 02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664