Australian troops will not return to Afghanistan, even if the nation's security deteriorates in the coming years, according to new Defence Minister Peter Dutton. This year's Anzac Day commemorations will be the last marked with Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel deployed in Afghanistan. Of the more than 39,000 Australian troops who have served in the country over the past two decades, only 80 remain there.
Earlier this month, US President Joe Biden announced the withdrawal of American troops in time for the 20th anniversary of the September 11 terror attacks.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said ADF personnel would also leave.
The decision has sparked fresh concerns about the stability of the country, with violence across Afghanistan escalating and peace talks with the Taliban having stalled.
Mr Dutton said it was "very unlikely" Australian troops would return to Afghanistan if the situation got any worse...MORE
