Australia joins coalition against IS in Iraq.

(Baonghean.vn) - After providing weapons to help the Kurds, on October 4th, Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott announced that his country had decided to join the international coalition against IS in Iraq.

On Friday, October 4th, the Australian government authorized airstrikes and the deployment of special forces against the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS) in Iraq. Prime Minister Tony Abbott announced, “Today, the Australian government authorized airstrikes in Iraq as requested by the Iraqi government. In addition, the government authorized the deployment of special forces in Iraq to advise and assist the Kurdish forces.” However, the Australian Prime Minister added that the decision was awaiting formal written approval.

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott on March 25 in Canberra / Photo: Mark Graham

In mid-September, approximately 200 Australian soldiers, including special forces, arrived in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The UAE is known to be strategically located for military operations in the Middle East region.

The Australian Prime Minister stressed that the special forces would “not be seen as” directly involved in battles, but rather “assisting the Iraqi military in planning and coordinating operations.” Tony Abbott added that Australian troops would operate on a “much smaller scale” compared to the rest of the coalition.

Previously, Australia, along with the US, provided weapons to Kurdish forces. This was seen as part of the international community's efforts to help the Kurds in their fight against ISIS in northern Iraq. In mid-September, the US and France conducted airstrikes against ISIS in Iraq. On Thursday, October 3rd, the Turkish Parliament authorized military operations against jihadists in Syria and Iraq after a Kurdish town near the Syrian border was captured by ISIS.

Chu Thanh– According to Liberation 3/10