A RAAF Super Hornet lands in the Middle East. Source: Supplied
THE Abbott government has given the go-ahead for Australian Super Hornet fighter-bombers to begin airstrikes on Islamic State terrorist group targets in Iraq.
Subject to final legal agreement, federal cabinet has also authorised the deployment of special forces to advise and assist Iraqi forces, Tony Abbott announced.
“I have to warn that this deployment to Iraq could be quite lengthy,” the Prime Minister said in Canberra.
“Certainly months rather than weeks. I want to reassure the Australian people that it will be as long as it needs to be but as short as it possibly can be.”
The Prime Minister made the announcement after meetings today of the national security committee and the full cabinet.
Airstrikes are set to begin “in coming days”, said Defence Force chief Mark Binskin.
Mr Abbott said Islamic State, or ISIL, had “declared war on the world” and it was in Australia’s national interest for the mission to go ahead.
It would be a dangerous mission but it was not strictly true to say Australia was at war, the Prime Minister said.
He said Australia was engaged in combat operations to help Iraq.
“Only Iraq can defeat ISIL, but Iraq shouldn’t be alone,” Mr Abbott said.
Mr Abbott said he was confident the Defence Force has all possible measures in place to minimise risk to the 600-strong Australian force.
“This is not a fight we can or should shirk,” he said.
“It is in our national interest that we do so, it is in the interests of civilisation that we do so. It is in everyone’s best interests that the murderous rage of the ISIL death cult be checked and rolled back and that’s what we’re determined to do.”
Mr Abbott said the measure of success would be “when ISIL are in retreat, not in advance”.
“We will know that we are succeeding when the Iraqi government is restoring a modicum of control over its own cities and towns. We’re not trying to build liberal pluralism in Iraq. We’re not trying to create a shining city on a hill.”
The Prime Minister again refused to rule out potential involvement in Syria and cautioned against trying to predict future missions.
“Let’s focus on what’s being done today rather than speculate on what might be done in months or years to come,” he said.
Mr Abbott said the risk assessment for Australia’s forces included small arms fire, anti-aircraft fire and so-called man-portable surface-to-air missiles attack against aircraft. He said the risk to special forces included roadside bombs and infantry attack.
Australia ended its last military commitment to Iraq in July 2009, after six years of war involving more than 20,000 personnel.
Australia has been negotiating with the Iraqi government for weeks after pre-deploying
six Super Hornets, a Wedgetail surveillance aircraft, a KC-30 refueller and a special forces contingent to the United Arab Emirates.
The change of government in Baghdad has delayed the negotiations on rules of engagement and Australia’s role in fighting the Islamic State terrorists.
Defence Minister David Johnston said the Iraqi government was “gratefully welcoming” of Australia’s role.
“The skill, commitment and professionalism of our uniform personnel is simply first class,” he said.
“They will do a very good job for us.”
A RAAF Wedgetail surveillance aircraft and a refueller have already flown support missions over Iraq, but six Super Hornets have remained on standby pending approval to join combat raids already being carried out by US and British jets.
Air Chief Marshal Binskin said the air task group and commando unit were “potent”.
“The team is well trained, they’re well equipped, they’re well prepared,” he said.
“The air traffic group’s been flying supporting missions and some training missions over Iraq for the last couple of days and we’re ready to get on with the job.”
The decision came as senior government frontbencher Malcolm Turnbull warned the fight against Islamic State might require troops on the ground.
“Well it may well do, but as you can see from President Obama’s lead and what our Prime Minister has said, the boots on the ground are not going to be American or Australian boots,” he said.
But when asked if this stance could change, Mr Turnbull left the door open.
“If anyone was going to make a forecast like that, it should be the Prime Minister.”
Deputy Opposition Leader Tanya Plibersek said while Labor backs the involvement so far, it won’t get behind “boots on ground”.
“No, we don’t support Australian troops on the ground in Iraq,” she told the Nine Network.
Ms Plibersek earlier today said Labor supported answering the Iraqi government’s plea for international help in protecting civilians from harm.
“(IS) is an organisation that kills anyone that disagrees with it,” she said.
“They’re abducting women, raping, selling women and children in the market place.
“It’s a terrible organisation and the government of Iraq has asked the international community for help. And we’re responding to that plea.”
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