Australia will deploy a military force to the Middle East as part of international efforts to combat Islamic State extremists.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott says Australia has received a specific request from the US government to contribute forces to possible military action in Iraq.
He told reporters in Darwin that cabinet and the National Security Committee met today and the government has decided to prepare and deploy a military force to the United Arab Emirates as part of an international coalition.
Australia’s contribution will include up to eight Super Hornet aircraft, an early warning and control aircraft, aerial refuelling aircraft and a contingent of Special Forces troops.
Mr Abbott said the deployment did not mean Australia was at war.
“There are obviously further decisions to be taken before Australian forces will be committed to combat operations in Iraq,” he said.
“Nevertheless Australia is prepared to engage in international operations to disrupt and degrade ISIL because of the threat that this murderous death cult poses not just to the people of Iraq, not just to the people of the Middle East, but to the whole world including to Australia.”
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/australia-to-deploy-forces-to-middle-east-20140914-10gqfc.html#ixzz3DGBGL8rg