RAAF first Iraq mission complete

RAAF Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft, and an E7-A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW & C) aircraft have completed their first mission in Iraq Source: Supplied
An RAAF Air Task Group has completed its first operational mission over Iraq airspace.
AUSTRALIA has completed its first operation mission over Iraq deploying Super Hornets, a Wedgetail early warning and control aircraft, a refueller and special force members officially joining the international forces against the Islamic State.
Defence has confirmed the aircraft returned to their base in the United Arab Emirate without incident, and follows confirmation from the Prime Minister yesterday that RAAF forces had begun to enter Iraqi airspace.
The Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail aircraft arrived back at the UAE base without incident.. Source: Supplied
Australia has joined an international coalition, at the request of the United States, to fight IS in Iraq and Syria where 65 Australians are fighting with the terror outfit, according to ASIO.
The first sign of action in Iraq comes as the mother of one of the most highly ranked Australians fighting with IS, Muhammad Ali Baryalei, has broken her silence.
Speaking to The Australian, Homira Baryalei said she was shocked when she found out her son had gone to Syria to fight.
Muhammad Ali Baryalei Source: Supplied
The Sydney mother, who fled Afghanistan with her family more than 30 years ago, was not aware her 33-year-old son had become a recruiter with IS and had travelled to Syria until she was informed by Australian Federal Police.
“I was shocked,” she told The Australian.
“He said, ‘Mum, believe me, trust me, I’m not doing anything wrong’.”
Mrs Baryalei says she has been told her son would be jailed if he returned to Australia.
“I don’t think Ali (will) come back ... For my life, I lost my son, for my whole life.”
A US air force B-1B Lancer after refuelling in the US Central Command area of responsibility prior to strike operations in Syria on September 27, 2014. "AFP PHOTO / US Air Forces Central Command Source: AFP
The Iraqi government is yet to make a specific request for Australia to take part in a specific combat operation, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said.
Once that request comes — expected within days — the national security committee and then cabinet will have to consider it. “We are being prudent and measured and cautious in relation to this matter,” Ms Bishop said. A Kurdish Peshmerga fighter stands next to a firearm in Mahmoudiyah, Iraq. (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban) Source:
AP
View the original article here