- Sputnik International
World
Get the latest news from around the world, live coverage, off-beat stories, features and analysis.

Australia Could Participate in Anti-ISIL Airstrikes for Up to Three Years

© AFP 2023 / Paul CROCKA Royal Australian Air Force F111 bomber
A Royal Australian Air Force F111 bomber - Sputnik International
Subscribe
Australia could be fighting the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria for several years more, the country's defense minister said.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The Australian Air Force could continue its participation in the military operation against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria up to three years, Australian Defense Minister Kevin Andrews said Thursday.

“Two, three years. I can't say for exact terms. The reality is that this is going to go on for a number of years,” Andrews said quoted by The Australian newspaper.

Royal Australian Air Force EA-18G Growler - Sputnik International
Australia Decides to Expand Anti-ISIL Airstrikes to Syria
On Wednesday, Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott said that his country would expand airstrikes against ISIL into Syrian territory within the framework of the US-led international coalition.

Abbot said that the time period of military involvement was not clearly defined but that Australian troops would return home after they finish the operation.

ISIL is an extremist group that has seized vast areas in Iraq and Syria, establishing a caliphate on the occupied territories. An international coalition led by the United States has been launching airstrikes against the militants in both countries.

Newsfeed
0
To participate in the discussion
log in or register
loader
Chats
Заголовок открываемого материала