Move to protect prison
Volume 11, No. 41, April 20, 2006

AS THE riots gripped Honiara, Australian Army personnel already on the ground as part of RAMSI were preparing to act.

Maj Todd Everett, the Commander of CTF 635, said his forces were spread around the RAMSI AO.

“When the riots began, we pushed another section of New Zealanders out to Rove prison to provide extra security to the area,” Maj Everett said.

He said the prison held key people, who if they escaped, could damage the peace process.
To provide extra security to the Participating Police Force base where RAMSI is located, he kept a reaction force of New Zealanders.

Maj Everett said the troops were not equipped for riots and carried a higher level of force inappropriate for riot control.

Meanwhile, the headquarters and intelligence cell worked tirelessly to gather information to provide the incoming commander with the best possible intelligence.

Maj Everett said the riots had been unexpected, and even the Solomon Islanders were shocked.