{"html":"  \u003cdiv class=\"timeline-details-images\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"timeline-details-image js-timeline-anchor timeline-anchor \"\n        style=\"background-image: url(https://digitize-vwma.s3.amazonaws.com/I/images/351103/photo/zoom_ISF_troops_landing_on_Timor_beach.jpg)\"\u003e\n      \u003c/div\u003e\n  \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"timeline-details-description with-image\"\u003e\n  \u003ch4 class=\"js-timeline-anchor timeline-anchor\"\u003eOperation Astute\u003c/h4\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003eFollowing the withdrawal of the last Australian battalion group from East Timor in 2005, the security situation deteriorated sharply due to internal unrest within the East Timorese Army. Upon receiving a formal request for assistance on the 24th of May, Prime Minister Howard swiftly approved military intervention, and Brigadier Michael Slater was appointed as the commander of Australian forces in East Timor, tasked with stabilising the situation and facilitating dialogue to resolve the crisis.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eInitially, over 3000 troops were deployed, mainly from Australia but also including personnel from New Zealand, Malaysia, and Portugal.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eTroops were gradually reduced due to the progress made in stabilising the country, and it was decided to withdraw foreign security forces after the 2012 presidential and parliamentary elections.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n"}