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Australia to assist Iraq with Super Hornets to counter terrorism | ||
| 29/08/2014 | ||
Senator Johnston said there would need to be a specific invitation from Iraq and Australia would want to settle rules of engagement. He said Australia hadn't been formally approached to participate, other than to deliver humanitarian aid. He said on media interview, "We do have a lot of capability at our fingertips. We did participate in 2003." "We have Super Hornets. They are incredibly capable. They are exactly what flies off US aircraft carriers. That's an obvious first port of call were we to participate with our friends and allies." Senator Johnston said the aircraft were at a good state of readiness, as they were at all times. "Apart from saying that, I wouldn't want to say any more," he said. The officials said they expected Britain and Australia would be willing to join the United States in an air campaign. It has been also reported that the US President is close to a decision on authorizing further air strikes against Islamic State forces laying siege to the northern Iraqi town of Amerli. Senator Johnston said the US and others, including Australia, wanted to see a stable Iraqi government and that could not occur until September 10 when the new prime minister takes over. He said he, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, US Secretary of State John Kerry and Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel believed there should be a more inclusive government in Baghdad before allies would consider military assistance. He mentioned, "It's not just a simple matter of deploying aircraft, flying them in and doing the work." Senator Johnston ruled out any involvement of Australian combat forces on the ground in Iraq. Also out of the question was operating aircraft from bases inside Iraq. Australia does have a staging base in the United Arab Emirates, a considerable distance from Iraq. It's regarded as more likely operations would be conducted from bases in Turkey or Kuwait. | ||
Last Update:: 29/08/2014 | ||
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