PNGDF

Joint Operations commander, Colonel Ezekia Wenzel says that the report will be to identify challenges and come up steps to rectify them ahead of future joint operations.

Wenzel says that there are still some troops present in Hela and Enga following the major withdrawal of the main contingent who were out on operations.

He says that there are between 120 to 130 troops making up the skeletal force on ground and maintaining a presence to assist with security tasks.

The first group left Mt Hagen on Thursday while the remaining will leave today.

Farewelling the first contingent of soldiers yesterday, Joint Task Force 1 Operation Commander, Major Adrian Soti said he was pleased with the overall performance for his team during the polling in the Highlands region.

He described the polling in the highlands region as peaceful and not as violent as compared to the previous elections.

Joint Operations Commander Colonel Esekia Wenzel says that most of the defense troops for the national election security operations have been sent out over the past week.

The last of the troops will be moved out this weekend.

According to the transport schedule tomorrow, 40 more troops will be sent up while on Sunday the last twenty seven will be deployed.

Wenzel outlines that all operations are on track with the troops at Mount Hagen and Lae.

The troops from Wewak and Port Moresby are part of the initial 500 troops to be sent out to assist with security detail this elections period.

Joint Operations Commander Colonel Wenzel Esekia says the PNG Defence Force are on track to support the Royal PNG Constabulary and the Electoral Commission deliver a free, fair and safe 2017 National elections.

Colonel Esekia says the PNGDF also has maritime support, with navy ships ready to back the coastal areas during this election period.

PNGDF Chief of Joint Operations, Colonel Ezekia Wenzel, says the three task forces have been deployed to locations to cater for support in security operations in the four regions.

The joint operations command anticipates the full contingent to be deployed come June 17.

Joint Operations Commander, Colonel Ezekia Wenzel, says the operations are scheduled to cater for a week ahead of the start of the polling period on June 24^th, and a week after.

This is to ensure that all security aspects are catered to.

Initially, he says the confirmed number of troops on ground for the elections was 500, but adds that the defence will also have an additional 300 troops that will be deployed to support police commands near military establishments.