Operation Astute

Operation Astute
Part of 2006 East Timorese crisis
Australian soldiers supporting the Dili Fire Service in June 2006
Date 25 May 2006 – 25 May 2013 Location East Timor Result Stabilisation of East Timor
Belligerents
Australia  New Zealand  Malaysia  Portugal  East Timor (government troops)  United Nations soldiers	Renegade elements of the FDTL
Commanders and leaders
Bill Sowry Mick Mumford Ismeth Nayan Ismail Jorge Barradas Taur Matan Ruak	Gastão Salsinha Alfredo Reinado  †
Strength
13,536 troops 372 police 9 ships	Unknown
Casualties and losses
Unknown	Unknown

Operation Astute was an Australian-led military deployment to East Timor to quell unrest and return stability in the 2006 East Timor crisis. It was headed by Brigadier Bill Sowry, and commenced on 25 May 2006 under the command of Brigadier Michael Slater. The operation was established at the request of East Timor's government, and continued under an understanding reached between Australia, East Timor, and the United Nations, with the United Nations Integrated Mission in East Timor supporting and helping to develop East Timor's police force. Other countries deploying soldiers to East Timor include Malaysia, New Zealand and East Timor's former colonial power Portugal, operating under independent command.