Troops ready for Iraq fight
Review may see request from US
THE Trump Administration has not asked Australia to provide more troops in the fight against Islamic State, but the Australian Defence Force says it is “very capable” should the Government wish to boost its operations.
In Washington yesterday, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop met US Vice President Mike Pence and discussed the progress of a new war strategy to defeat Islamic State.
The review of the Middle East operation, ordered by President Donald Trump, is due within the next fortnight and could trigger a request for more Australian troops to help with the war effort.
At a briefing in Canberra yesterday, Australian Defence Force chief of joint operations Vice Admiral David Johnston said it was “too early to tell” if the review would dramatically overhaul the US strategy and whether that would change Australia’s role.
“Any request . . . the Government will consider on its merit,” Admiral Johnston said.
“It becomes a question of priorities and levels of national interest. If the Government seeks to increase its contribution, there will be options.”
The possibility of a new Middle East strategy comes as Australian troops edge closer to the frontline in the Iraqi city of Mosul.
Australian special forces are within 50km of the Islamic State stronghold where USbacked Iraqi forces have recently launched a ground offensive in the western part of the city after a successful operation in the east.
Australian forces played a key role in liberating the eastern half of Mosul, striking 131 targets — including weapons factories, tunnel entrances and weapon caches — since the advance began in October.
But Admiral Johnston said “sleeper cells” remained, which were expected to delay peace efforts. MEANWHILE, Ms Bishop has denied the refugee resettle- ment deal with the US is part of a “people swap”.
Speaking after her meeting with Mr Pence, she denied the assertion, putting her at odds with Immigration Minister Peter Dutton.
“That’s not the way I would categorise it. Australia is a very generous nation when it comes to resettling those who are found to be refugees from all over the world. We’ll continue to do so,” she said.
“We are seeking to resettle a number of people who came via the people smuggling trade and have been in Nauru, in particular, with the US. But we will continue to take refugees from across the world.”