Australia sends troops to Solomon Islands

Australia announced on Thursday that it was sending police, troops and diplomats to the Solomon Islands to help after anti-government demonstrators defied lockdown orders and took to the streets for a second day of violent protests. Prime minister Scott Morrison said the group included a detachment of 23 federal police officers and up to 50 more to provide security at critical infrastructure sites, as well as 43 defence force personnel, a patrol boat and at least five diplomats. The first of the party left Australia on Thursday with more going on Friday, and the mission was expected to last for a few weeks, Mr Morrison said. “Our purpose here is to provide stability and security,” he said.