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Australian Forces to Go to Afghanistan
Prime Minister John Howard has announced a major deployment of defence forces to assist in the US-led campaign against terrorism in Afghanistan.
The announcement comes after US President George W Bush phoned Mr Howard last night requesting assistance from Australia.
The deployment will include two P-3 long range maritime aircraft for reconnaissance, a detachment of Australian special forces and two B-707 tanker aircraft to support air operations.
Mr Howard says Australia will continue to maintain a guided missile frigate presence to support the multinational interception force.
He says HMAS Anzac will be replaced by HMAS Sydney and that the tasks of Sydney may be extended beyond current requirements.
In addition, the Prime Minister says a naval task group comprising an amphibious craft and frigate as escort will be deployed.
He says a total of 1,550 defence force personnel will be involved in the deployment.
Mr Howard says the deployments are within the capability of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) without jeopardising defence at home.
"They will go with our best wishes, our prayers, for a safer return," he said.
Mr Howard warned that the deployment would not be easy and would be far more dangerous than East Timor.
He told reporters there was a risk of Australian casualties.
"Whenever you go into battle there is always the risk of casualties," he said.
"It is a very dangerous operation, particularly any operation involving special forces on the ground.
"They carry out very risky, daring and dangerous tasks."
Mr Howard says some of the personnel will be leaving within a week or two, with most of the personnel to be deployed overseas by mid-November.
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