Australia’s successful withdrawal from Afghanistan
Australia's involvement in Afghanistan spanned nearly two decades, beginning in 2001 with Operation Slipper, which lasted until 2014 and focused on combat operations as part of the US-led coalition. This was followed by Operation Highroad (2015–2021), which centred on mentoring and training Afghan National Defence and Security Forces. Over the course of these missions, more than 39,000 Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel were deployed, with 41 losing their lives and over 260 sustaining injuries.
On 15 April 2021, Prime Minister Morrison announced the full drawdown of Australian troops, aligned with the broader US withdrawal. By mid-June 2021, all remaining ADF personnel had departed Afghanistan, formally ending Australia’s military presence.
Following the Taliban’s sudden return to power in August 2021, Australia initiated a major evacuation operation. Between 18 and 26 August, the ADF, in conjunction with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the Department of Home Affairs, evacuated around 4,100 individuals via 32 Royal Australian Air Force flights from Hamid Karzai International Airport. Evacuees included Australian citizens, permanent residents, and Afghan nationals with Australian visas.
Prime Minister Morrison directly oversaw the operation holding daily operations meetings in addition to regular updates, including the decision to delay the final flight to ensure Australian defence forces could secure the transfer of the final two passengers – a mother and her child from the crowded and chaotic Abbey Gate. Several hours later, a suicide bomber detonated their payload and killed 11 US marines.
Home Affairs officials played several key roles on the ground in Kabul. They managed logistics at the airport, facilitated documentation and identity verification, and worked alongside DFAT and ADF personnel to adjust procedures in real-time to ensure efficient evacuations. DFAT officials were also deployed in Canberra and the United Arab Emirates, maintaining contact with individuals seeking evacuation and offering guidance on safe access routes and necessary documentation. DFAT’s Crisis Hub acted as an information and coordination platform.
The airlift operation involved five aircraft, including C-130J Hercules and C-17A Globemaster III planes, which transported evacuees to Australia’s staging base in the Middle East. ADF medics provided in-flight medical care. Additionally, an Australian KC-30A air-to-air refueller supported the mission by conducting eight sorties and delivering 375,000 pounds of fuel to coalition aircraft.
Evacuation flights were conducted under high-risk conditions, including complex terrain, crowded airspace, and credible terrorist threats. ADF personnel handled security screening and onboard safety – caring for evacuees with the youngest at just eight days old, and the oldest at 81.
Post-evacuation, Australia continued to relocate Afghan nationals from third countries. As of June 2022, more than 5,500 subclass 449 visa holders had been resettled. A further 31,500 places were allocated under Australia’s Humanitarian Program for Afghan nationals between 2021 and 2026.
Related media:
1. Press release, Australian Troops to Drawdown in Afghanistan, 15 April 2021: https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-43315
2. Press release, Statement on the Australian Embassy in Afghanistan, 25 May 2021: https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-44062
3. Press release, Statement on Afghanistan, 16 August 2021: https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-44097
4. Press release, First evacuees from Afghanistan to quarantine in Western Australia, 19 August 2021: https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-44098
5. Ministerial Statement, Afghanistan Australian Parliament House, ACT, 23 August 2021: https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-44101
6. Press release, G20 Extraordinary Leaders' Meeting On Afghanistan, 12 October 2021: https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-44118
