Australia ends involvement in air strike against ISIS in Syria and Iraq

Australia’s Defense Minister Marise Payne today announced the RAAF’s F/A-18F Super Hornet jets would be brought back to Australia, after Iraq’s Prime Minister declared victory in the war against the terrorist group which had declared ’caliphate’ straddling areas of Iraq and Syria, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.

"After more than three years of air operations, the number of coalition air strike commissions has steadily dropped since the last major population center, Hawija, was captured in October," Senator Payne said on Friday.

"Following discussions with Iraq and with members of the international coalition, the Australian government has determined that we will bring home our six Super Hornet strike aircraft from the Middle East, marking the end of Australia’s air strike operations in Iraq and Syria."

The news website added, Senator Payne said the priority was now holding territory that had been retaken and emphasized that Australia’s E-7A Wedgetail surveillance aircraft and KC-30A refueling aircraft would continue to support operations, as would the training and special forces personnel.

"Australia is committed to supporting the Iraqi security forces as it clears the remaining pockets of Daesh fighters in rural areas and ensuring the long-term stability of Iraq," Senator Payne said.

The ADF’s contribution to the US-led coalition against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria was made up of approximately 780 Defence Force staff.

As part of the operation the ADF deployed an Air Task Group included six Super Hornets, an E-7A Wedgetail surveillance aircraft, and a Multi Role Tanker Transport aircraft.

Australian soldiers have also been training Iraqi troops at the Taji military base outside Baghdad.

Coalition aircraft carried out thousands of attacks in support of Iraqi and Kurdish ground forces.

But monitors claimed thousands of civilians were killed in the aerial campaign.