Two unidentified Australian soldiers supervise the replenishment of drinking water to a kitchen ...

Two unidentified Australian soldiers supervise the replenishment of drinking water to a kitchen at the compound of the Australian-led International Force for East Timor (INTERFET). The water is being transferred into the building via a large hose attached to a water tanker labelled 'POTABLE WATER ONLY'. Following the overwhelming vote for independence by the East Timorese on 30 August 1999 in the United Nations (UN) sponsored referendum, the pro-Indonesian militia launched a campaign of destruction, arson and murder, killing approximately 1500 people and forcing 300 000 others into West Timor as refugees. On 15 September, the UN issued a resolution, calling for a multinational force to restore peace and security and facilitate humanitarian assistance operations. By 20 September 1999, the first coalition force began deploying to East Timor as part of INTERFET. Five months later in February 2000, INTERFET handed control of military operations over to the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET), who were to maintain security, establish an effective administration and develop civil and social services.