The Australian War Memorial Collection. Test site
At an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) checkpoint, Sapper Doyle, Australian Defence Force, and 'Bob', a low risk search dog, check a minibus for weapons and explosives. The bus is transporting East Timorese refugees who have returned from West Timor. Following the overwhelming vote for independence by the East Timorese on 30 August 1999 in the United Nations (UN) sponsored referendum, the pro-Indonesian militia launched a campaign of destruction, arson and murder, killing approximately 1500 people and forcing 300 000 others into West Timor as refugees. On 15 September, the UN issued a resolution, calling for a multinational force to restore peace and security and facilitate humanitarian assistance operations. By 20 September 1999, the first coalition force began deploying to East Timor as part of Australian-led International Force for East Timor (INTERFET). Five months later in February 2000, INTERFET handed control of military operations over to the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET), who were to maintain security, establish an effective administration and develop civil and social services.
Two unidentified members of the 5th/7th Battalion (Mechanised), The Royal Australian Regiment (5/7 RAR) (rear), and two members of the Brazialian Military Police (front), guard Junction Point A checkp
Captain Steve Mott (left) and Bombardier Cherry (right) of the 5th/7th Battalion (Mechanised), The Royal Australian Regiment (5/7 RAR), stand beside a United Nations Land Rover 110 at a checkpoint. Bo
Royal New Zealand Air Force Iroquois helicopters dropping psychological operations pamphlets over the border of East and West Timor. Following the overwhelming vote for independence by the East Timore
At the Dili Beach refugee transit site, East Timorese refugees wait for vaccinations by officials, probably of the office of the United nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Following the overwhelmi
Lieutenant Colonel Reynolds, Chief Public Relations (PR) Officer, Australian-led International Force for East Timor (INTERFET), works at a laptop computer in the PR office. Following the overwhelming
Private (Pte) Brandson (left), Pte Langler (centre), and Lance Corporal Sherry (right), probably of the 5/7th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (5/7 RAR) guard a checkpoint at a three way major
