Australia will join international partners to help the anti-ISIL forces in Iraq.
Following the successful international humanitarian relief effort air-dropping supplies to the thousands of people stranded on Mount Sinjar in northern Iraq, the Royal Australian Air Force will now conduct further humanitarian missions.
The United States Government has requested that Australia help to transport stores of military equipment, including arms and munitions, as part of a multi-nation effort.
Royal Australian Air Force C-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster aircraft will join aircraft from other nations including Canada, Italy, France, the United Kingdom and the United States to conduct this important task.
Australia’s contribution will continue to be coordinated with the government of Iraq and regional countries.
The situation in Iraq represents a humanitarian catastrophe.
Australia remains in close contact with the United States and other international partners and we will continue to work to alleviate the humanitarian situation in Iraq and address the security threat posed by ISIL.
31 August 2014