Aussie troops out amid new war

KABUL: The region of Afghanistan Australian troops fought and died for during two decades of combat has descended into chaos after offensives from a resurgent Taliban forced 35,000 civilians to flee, sparking fresh US air strikes.

A day after Defence Minister Linda Reynolds confirmed another Australian Defence Force withdrawal phase from the nation, the Taliban re-entered Helmand Province with co-ordinated attacks.

Coalition forces, including Australian troops from the special operations task group and others largely in support of British operations, fought some of the bloodiest campaigns of Afghanistan’s 19year war in the region.

American forces have launched two days of air strikes in the southern Afghanistan province in support of Afghan National Security Forces, some of whom were trained by the ADF.

The US administration on Thursday insisted its fragile peace accord with the Taliban remained despite the violence in Helmand, which on Wednesday also saw nine ANSF troops killed when two troop helicopters crashed.

Senate powerbroker independent Rex Patrick said with Senator Reynolds’ confirmation this week that the ADF had wrapped up its training operation, now was a time for full withdrawal and an independent review into the effectiveness of Australia’s involvement in the Middle East more broadly.

He said those still there served no strategic purpose, with the exception of maritime operations, and should come home.