To assist Australian Government efforts to support Australians seeking to leave the region, Australian Defence Force personnel and aircraft have been deployed to the Middle East in non-combat roles.

This deployment, as part of Operation Beech, is a precautionary measure as part of whole-of-Australian-Government support to Australian citizens and approved foreign nationals in the region.

The ADF contingent includes two strategic air lift assets configured for passenger transport and an ADF personnel contingent from both the Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force which will provide the Australian Government with additional capabilities to assist Australian citizens and approved foreign nationals if required.

Operation Beech is Defence’s support to the Australian Government consular response to the Middle East conflict.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is the lead agency for Australian consular assistance and will continue to provide updates to registered Australians.

Australians in the region who are seeking Australian Government support should register via DFAT’s Crisis Portal or by calling the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 (from overseas) or 1300 555 135 (from within Australia).