Australian Special Forces deployed to PNG before APEC meeting of world leaders

Australian Special Forces soldiers have quietly been deployed to Papua New Guinea before the APEC meeting of world leaders.

The ABC reported the elite Australian Army personnel were "on the ground", amid concerns PNG's military was not adequately equipped to control the large event in November.

Among world leaders expected to attend the two day summit in Port Moresby are the US Vice President Mike Pence, Russia's President Vladimir Putin and Chinese Premier Xi Jinping.

Royal Australian Navy warships were also expected to be located off the PNG coast, as part of 'Operation APEC Assist', to protect cruise ships which will be used for temporary APEC accommodation.

It is feared cruise ships could be particularly vulnerable to terrorist strikes and will need the protection of Special Forces soldiers, who are highly skilled at boarding vessels at sea.

[Source: RNZ]