SAS combat role in Iraq denied

Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee has denied claims that New Zealand special forces are calling in air strikes in northern Iraq, ‘‘or involved in any other combat operations’’ in the country.

However, a former US intelligence adviser, now based in New Zealand, says New Zealand SAS in Iraq should come as no surprise.

The Guardian is reporting: ‘‘British, Australian and New Zealand SAS are all active in northern Iraq, along with US forces, where they have been calling in air strikes to support both Kurdish and Iraqi advances. Their role at the front line has not been well documented, however.’’

Brownlee’s spokesman released a statement saying: ‘‘As the Prime Minister has said publicly, the Government has ruled out sending SAS, or any troops into combat roles in Iraq.

‘‘We have also been clear that special forces could be deployed for short periods – for example, to provide advice on issues like force protection or to help with high profile visits, as they have many times before.’’

Former US intelligence adviser and security expert Paul Buchanan said it seemed obvious that New Zealand special forces would be deployed in Iraq.

‘‘Notwithstanding the New Zealand Government’s semantic gymnastics, reports of NZ SAS involvement in the fight to liberate Mosul are not surprising and to be expected.’’

They were an ‘‘elite force’’ whose corresponding units from Australia, Britain, Canada, the US, as well as other coalition members were all involved in the fight against Islamic State, Buchanan said.

In February, Prime Minister John Key said using the SAS ran counter to New Zealand’s current mission in Iraq, which was focused on equipping Iraqi soldiers to take the fight to Islamic State themselves. There are personnel based at Camp Taji, north of Baghdad, to train Iraqi military forces.