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NUKU'ALOFA, - Australian troops sent to Tonga in the wake of deadly rioting have moved from the international airport to the streets of the capital Nuku'alofa.
About 50 soldiers have been out on patrol with Tongan counterparts in central Nuku'alofa or helping secure vital assets since late yesterday, Australian commander Major Jim Hammett said.
The move came in response to a Tongan military request to help relieve local troops on duty enforcing a state of emergency since rioters burned and looted businesses in the central business district last week.
At least six people were burned to death during Thursday's mayhem.
New Zealand troops continue to guard Fua'amotu International Airport as part of a joint task force which arrived in the Pacific kingdom on Saturday.
Reformist politicians have accused the foreign troops of helping Tonga's monarchy suppress the democratic process through martial law.
The move from the airport now means the Australian troops have a more visible role in Tongan affairs.
Hammett said the deployment was mainly about providing backup for over-taxed Tongan soldiers.
"Given that the Tongan Defence Service have been working for so long at such a hectic pace they actually requested if we were available to provide them with manpower support, " "he said.
In addition to Tongan-led patrols in the restricted central business district, the troops are helping man checkpoints, guard facilities like power stations and state broadcasters and escort fuel convoys.
Hammett said the public reaction to the Australians' presence has been positive so far.
"I'm cognisant of the fact that we are foreign troops on their soil - it's the first time it's happened in their history," he said.
"At the first sign of any resentment brewing or any unhappiness then of course we'll immediately review the situation."
The Australian soldiers in Nuku'alofa have shed body armour and some other equipment they wore at the airport, but remain armed.
"We have indeed scaled that down just to show that we're very similar in posture to the Tongans."
A Seahawk helicopter which made several trips between a Royal Australian Navy warship at sea and the airport on Monday night had been transporting supplies for the army, Hammett said.
He said the ship had since sailed away from Tongan waters.
- AAP
