Australian warplanes ready to strike in Iraq

0 Comment(s)Print E-mail Xinhua, October 3, 2014
Adjust font size:

Australian warplanes will be used in air strikes against Islamic State (IS) extremists in northern Iraq, Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott confirmed on Friday.

Abbott said a decision to send in Super Hornets as part of a U. S.-led mission was taken following a meeting of the National Security Committee of Cabinet.

"Today cabinet has authorised Australian air strikes in Iraq at the request of the Iraqi government in support of the Iraqi government," Abbott told a press conference in Canberra.

"Also, subject to final legal documentation, cabinet has authorised the deployment of Australian special forces into Iraq to advise and assist Iraqi forces."

Six Super Hornets, a Wedgetail surveillance aircraft, a KC-30 refueller and a special forces contingent have been pre-deployed to the United Arab Emirates.

A Wedgetail surveillance aircraft and a refueller have flown missions over Iraq, while Australian Super Hornets have remained on standby pending approval for bombing raids against IS targets.

"I want to assure the Australian people this will be as long as it needs to be, and as short as it possibly can be," Abbott said.

Abbott said only Iraq can defeat IS, but Iraq shouldn't and won 't be alone.

Follow China.org.cn on Twitter and Facebook to join the conversation.
Print E-mail Bookmark and Share

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)

No comments.

Add your comments...

  • User Name Required
  • Your Comment
  • Enter the words you see:   
    Racist, abusive and off-topic comments may be removed by the moderator.
Send your storiesGet more from China.org.cnMobileRSSNewsletter