Australia's Special Air Service (SAS) troops have taken part in "shoot and scoot missions" behind enemy lines in Iraq, the Australian defence chief said on Tuesday. Army commander Lieutenant General Peter Leahy said the troops had gained significant intelligence about Iraqi movements, as well as destroying Iraqi military camps. The 150 SAS troops are part of 2,000 personnel Australia has committed to the US-led war in Iraq. The Australian troops are now working with British and American forces in the push towards Baghdad. Defence officials said there had been no reports of Australian injuries. Australian Defence Minister Robert Hill said on Tuesday that a fresh contingent of Australian forces could be sent to the Middle East. "If the conflict continues for some time, there may be a need for the rotation of forces," he said. But he added that the total deployment is likely to remain at about 2,000. Australian Prime Minister John Howard warned on Tuesday that the next stage of the war would be extremely difficult for the coalition forces. Mr Howard said he was pleased with the progress so far, but added that the allies faced many challenges in the coming days. Meanwhile, on the domestic front, Mr Howard seemed to be regaining his popularity on Tuesday, after weeks of angry protests at his pro-war stance. For the first time, more Australians back war in Iraq than oppose it, according to a poll published by The Australian newspaper. Anti-war protests are still continuing, however. On Tuesday, 35 women in the southern island of Tasmania stripped bare and lay down in a paddock to spell out the words "No War".
You can never have too many naked women.
Despite being a far smaller contingent than the US or UK troops in the Gulf, Australian forces have been involved in numerous offensives in the Iraq conflict. On Monday, Australian defence officials said members of the SAS had destroyed a missile command bunker deep in Iraqi territory, where they were involved in close fighting with Iraqi forces. The SAS has also helped coalition aircraft target enemy troops. The Australian warship HMAS Anzac has been bombarding Iraqi coastal positions on the al-Faw peninsula, giving support to British forces in the area.
Well done, Mates! |