Reports from the New Zealand-led task force confirm that the situation in Nuku’alofa appears calm at present. The Combined Joint Task Force remains in a security role at Fau’amotu Airport.

New Zealand and Australian soldiers are providing relief to elements of the Tongan Defence Service in the central city, who have been on continuous duty for sometime, enabling them to get much needed rest and recovery.

“The situation appears to be returning to normal, with more Tongan citizens around and day to day activity resuming,” said Task Force Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Darren Beck. “The task force remains focused on supporting the Tongan authorities to return calm and stability in Tonga.”

The 72 NZDF personnel in theatre are predominantly from 2/1st Battalion, based at Linton. The deployed force includes infantry soldiers, a Headquarters command element, medical team and Air Load personnel to operate at the airport.

ENDS

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