Australia jets target ISIL positions for 1st time
Iran Press TV
Thu Oct 9, 2014 10:59AM GMT
An Australian jet fighter has targeted positions of the Takfiri ISIL terrorists in Iraq for the first time since the country joined a US-led international coalition against the terror group.
'Two bombs were dropped from an F/A-18F Super Hornet on to an ISIL facility' overnight, a statement by Australia's Defense Force said on Thursday.
'All aircraft exited the target area safely and returned to base,' the statement added.
On Wednesday, Chief of Australia's Defence Force Mark Binskin said that the Australian jet fighters have previously carried out several missions over northern Iraq without firing their weapons.
'The Super Hornet aircraft conducted an air interdiction and close air support mission over northern Iraq overnight,' the Australian Defense Force said in a statement on Monday, adding, 'The Super Hornets were on-call to attack targets as identified.... On this occasion, the aircraft did not use their munitions and have returned to base to disarm and prepare for future sorties.'
Australia committed to the combat against the Takfiri terrorists last week.
Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott said on Wednesday that the country has a special forces team of up to 200 that are ready to assist missions with the Iraqi security forces.
'We'll be in a better position to judge what might be desirable down the track once we're in there,' he added.
On October 3, Abbott said his cabinet had authorized airstrikes against the Takfiri ISIL group in Iraq.
"Also, subject to final legal documentation, cabinet has authorized the deployment of Australian special forces into Iraq to advise and assist Iraqi forces," he added.
The ISIL terrorists currently control parts of Syria and Iraq. They have carried out heinous crimes, including mass executions and beheadings of the people, in the two countries.
IA/NN/KA
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