Sierra Leone     -     2000 to 2003

On October 22, 1999, the UN Security Council authorised the establishment of UNAMSIL, a new and much larger mission than its' predecessor UNOMSIL, with a maximum of 6000 military personnel, including 260 military observers, to assist the Government and the parties in carrying out provisions of the Lome peace agreement. On February 7, 2000, the Security Council decided to revise the mandate of UNAMSIL. It decided to expand the military component to a maximum of 11,100 military personnel, including the 260 military observers already deployed.

The Council also authorised increases in the civil affairs, civilian police, administrative and technical components of UNAMSIL. The Security Council again increased the authorised strength of UNAMSIL, to 13,000 military personnel, including the 260 military observers by its resolution 1299 of May 19, 2000.

On March 30, 2001, a further increase was authorised to 17,500 military personnel, including the 260 military observers. Operation Husky was the codename for the Australian contribution to the International Military Advisory and Training Team (IMATT) formed to provide direct military advice and training assistance to the then new Sierra Leone Ministry of Defence and the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces.

Operation Husky

Operation Husky was the codename for the Australian contribution to the International Military Advisory and Training Team (IMATT) formed to provide direct military advice and training assistance to the then new Sierra Leone Ministry of Defence and the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces.