Australian special forces expected to take on greater role in Iraq
More Australian military involvement in Iraq
AUSTRALIAN special forces soldiers are reportedly in line to step up in the fight against Islamic State militants in Iraq.
Currently a contingent of 200 are in the country advising and assisting local forces.
But following talks between Tony Abbott and his Iraqi counterpart Haider al-Abadi, they could be further involved in military exercises, according to The Australian.
EARLIER: PM Tony Abbott visits Iraq
The paper reports the Prime Minister used his visit to Baghdad last week to overcome barriers in getting the group put to more effective use.
Confidential briefings also canvassed deploying the special forces beyond Baghdad to be closer to the frontline.
Visit … Tony Abbott shakes the hand of a FA18 Super Hornet Pilot who had just returned from a combat mission over Iraq last week. Picture: Gary Ramage/News Corp. Source: News Corp Australia
Tony Abbott this morning admitted he wanted Australian forces in Iraq to be as “vigorous” as they can be.
“Our focus is on making sure our existing commitment is as effective as possible,” he told 3AW.
“We’re there to help counter this threat, not just to the people of Iraq but to the people of Australia.
“We’re there effectively to defend Australia and obviously I want out troops to be as vigorous as possible.”
The Prime Minister said Australian forces in Baghdad, and those conducting air strikes, are making a “substantial contribution” already, but he is open to further talks.
“We can’t substitute for the actions of the Iraqi’s themselves, we can’t be keener to defend Iraq than its own people, but nevertheless we are there to do everything we reasonably can in conjunction with the Iraqis to defeat this death cult.
“Let’s see how this mission evolves over time, but what we are not going to do is participate in independent combat operations,” he stressed.
Getting Australian special forces into Iraq took months — with the group stuck in the Middle East awaiting the securement of a formal agreement with the country.
Mr Abbott has always said the troops wouldn’t be involved in combat operations.
But he has previously admitted they would be armed and could fight back if they needed to defend themselves.
While in the Middle East last week, the Prime Minister flagged a further involvement for Australia in Iraq.
“I certainly don’t rule out doing what we reasonably can to make the world a safer place, because our military forces here in the Middle East are protecting our interests at home as much as they’re protecting our interests and our values abroad,” he said.
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