Another member of US-led coalition pulls warplanes from Iraq, Syria

Australia will put an end to its air strikes campaign against the Islamic State (IS) in Iraq and Syria, pulling out its six Super Hornet warplanes from both countries after three years operating within the US-led coalition, Defense Minister Marise Payne said on Friday.

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – Australia will put an end to its air strikes campaign against the Islamic State (IS) in Iraq and Syria, pulling out its six Super Hornet warplanes from both countries after three years operating within the US-led coalition, Defense Minister Marise Payne said on Friday.

In a press conference, the Defense Minister told reporters that the decision was made after the Iraqi Government declared final victory over the jihadist group.

“Following discussions with Iraq and with members of the international coalition, the Australian government has determined that we will bring home our six Super Hornet strike aircraft from the Middle East,” Payne said.

“It has been long. It has been arduous. It has been brutal. All of our personnel made an extraordinary contribution.”

She said the decision was made in consultation with the Iraqi government and other allies.

Australia has been contributing to the fight against IS since 2014 as a member of the US-led coalition.

Payne added that other Australian operations in the region would be ongoing, with 80 personnel, who are part of the Special Operations Task Group in Iraq, including Special Forces, continuing their deployment.

Since 2014, Australian troops have been training Iraqi forces outside Baghdad at the Taji Military base.

Editing by Nadia Riva