All news

Australia launches combat mission against IS in Iraq, no airstrikes

Australia will also contribute around 200 special force soldiers who are to train Iraqi security forces

SYDNEY, October 6. /TASS/. Australia’s fighter jets carried out their first combat mission against Islamic State (IS) militants in Iraq, but they returned safely to base without attacking any targets, the chief of the defense force, Mark Binskin, said on Monday.

“2 F/A-18F completed 1st armed combat mission in Iraq. No munitions expended. Returned safely to base (in the United Arab Emirates),” Binskin wrote on Twitter.

The jets flew around northern Iraq for seven hours, but reportedly located no targets.

In late September, Australia deployed 400 military personnel and eight aircraft to the base. On October 3, the Australian government approved their participation in the operations in Iraq.

Australia will also contribute around 200 special force soldiers who are to train Iraqi security forces.