OMEN
09-04-2006, 10:05 AM
Australia's presence in southern Iraq will be increased, with a further 38 defence force personnel being sent to the country.
Defence Minister Brendan Nelson announced the deployment, saying the troops would support the operational battle group based in Tallil.
Four additional armoured Bushmasters will also be sent, to join the 15 already in service in Iraq.
Dr Nelson says Australian troops are continuing to help train Iraqi security forces and they're also conducting patrols through the al-Muthanna province.
The Defence Minister has denied claims the extra troops are being deployed because Iraq's moving closer to a civil war.
Sky News Au
Defence Minister Brendan Nelson announced the deployment, saying the troops would support the operational battle group based in Tallil.
Four additional armoured Bushmasters will also be sent, to join the 15 already in service in Iraq.
Dr Nelson says Australian troops are continuing to help train Iraqi security forces and they're also conducting patrols through the al-Muthanna province.
The Defence Minister has denied claims the extra troops are being deployed because Iraq's moving closer to a civil war.
Sky News Au