Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has made an unannounced visit to Australian troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan ahead of Anzac day commemorations.
"The Prime Minister meeting and thanking Australian Defence Force mentors and force protection at Qargha, Afghanistan," the official account of his office tweeted early on Tuesday morning.
Australia has 270 defence personnel deployed mostly in the capital Kabul, where they provide support and security along with some mentoring recruits at the Afghan National Military Academy.
Since 2002, 42 Australian troops have been killed in Afghanistan and two in Iraq.
During his visit on Sunday and Monday, Mr Turnbull paid tribute to their sacrifice.
"This trip was not just an occasion to celebrate Anzac day with Australians (and New Zealanders) who are serving on the front lines, it was an invaluable opportunity to assess the progress of the wars in Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan," the prime minister said in a statement.
"By confronting and defeating the terrorists on the battlefield, we are helping make the world - and Australia - a safer place."
