World · East Asia & Pacific · 21 hrs ago
Canberra ceremony marks 25 years since Australia joined Afghanistan conflict
A ceremony at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra marked 25 years since Australia joined the Afghanistan conflict.
Australian forces were sent there in 2001 as part of a multinational mission to fight terrorism after the September 11 attacks in the United States.
More than 35,000 Australians served in Afghanistan or in support roles in the Middle East over the next two decades.
Forty-seven Australian Defence Force personnel died and 263 were wounded as a result of their service in Afghanistan.
The service honoured those who served and remembered the families of people who did not return, including the mother of Private Robert Poate, who was killed in 2012.
Speakers also reflected on the experiences of those who served and on how the campaign's success may be judged.
Thousands of Australians who served in Afghanistan were commemorated at a 25th anniversary service at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.
Australian forces were deployed to Afghanistan in 2001 under Operation Slipper, following the September 11 attacks in the United States.
More than 35,000 Australians served in Afghanistan or in support roles in the Middle East over the next two decades.
Forty-seven Australian Defence Force personnel died and 263 were wounded as a result of their service in the country.
The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Opposition Leader Angus Taylor and several former prime ministers.
- Who
- Thousands of Australians who served in Afghanistan were commemorated. The ceremony included Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and other political leaders.
- What
- A service marked 25 years since Australia joined the Afghanistan conflict.
- When
- 2026, on the 25th anniversary of the 2001 deployment. The article was published on October 11, 2026.
- Where
- The Australian War Memorial in Canberra.
- Why
- To commemorate Australians who served in Afghanistan and remember those who died or were wounded.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Families hoped every day that their partner, parent, child or sibling would return safely
Every person who served there experienced a different Afghanistan
the great success of Afghanistan is the men and women who served there
Those who accept that risk every day deserve our deepest respect and gratitude
Australian forces were deployed to Afghanistan under Operation Slipper following the September 11 attacks.
Private Robert Poate was killed by a rogue Afghan army officer.
More than 35,000 Australians served in Afghanistan or in support roles in the Middle East.
A 25th anniversary service was held at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.
Corporal Brendan Hannam was killed during a training exercise in the Northern Territory.
- Australian deployment
- 2001, under Operation Slipper
- Service personnel
- More than 35,000 Australians served in Afghanistan or support roles in the Middle East
- Deaths
- 47 Australian Defence Force personnel
- Wounded
- 263 Australian Defence Force personnel
- Ceremony venue
- Australian War Memorial, Canberra
- Private Robert Poate
- Killed in 2012 by a rogue Afghan army officer
Sources
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