Australian soldiers could go back to Afghanistan if needed: Dutton We’re sorry, this service is currently unavailable. Please try again later. Dismiss Normal text size Advertisement The federal government is prepared to send Australian soldiers back to Afghanistan if needed to prevent terrorist threats, Defence Minister Peter Dutton has declared after confirming the withdrawal of troops in recent weeks. Mr Dutton raised the possibility of deploying special forces if and when a new mission served Australia’s national interest or the interests of allies such as the United States. Australian soldiers in Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan. Credit:Kate Geraghty He also called for a special day to honour Australians who served in Afghanistan, saying they had helped stop terrorist attacks that might have repeated the 9/11 attacks in New York and Washington in September 2001.