CESSATION OF ADF OPERATIONS IN SOUTHERN IRAQ

Australian troops have lowered the flag on their highly successful commitment to the security of southern Iraq and the training of the new Iraqi Army.

The Overwatch Battle Group (OBG-W) and Australian Army Training Team (AATT-I) formally ceased operations at a ceremony in Camp Terendak, Talil today.

Labor made a firm commitment to the Australian people that it would bring our combat troops home from Iraq and today it has fulfilled that commitment.

Minister for Defence, the Hon Joel Fitzgibbon MP, said the conclusion of the dual missions marked the completion of Australia’s combat role in Iraq.

 “Our soldiers have worked tirelessly to ensure that local people in southern Iraq have the best possible chance to move on from their suffering under Saddam’s regime and, as a Government we are extremely proud of their service,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

“Importantly, the successes of the OBG(W) would not have been possible without strong foundations provided by the al-Muthanna Task Group (AMTG) and its important role in protecting Japanese reconstruction activities in the province.”

Mr Fitzgibbon said OBG(W) operations gave the fledgling Iraqi Army the space and time to train, grow and consolidate into a capable force that has proven itself time and again in recent months.

“Since commencing the training role, ADF personnel in southern Iraq have contributed to the individual and collective training of 33,000 Iraqi Army soldiers.

“In addition, specialist training has been provided in logistics management, combat service support and importantly, effective counter-insurgency operations.

“While only a small element of the 3700 ADF personnel who served in security and training roles, the Australian contribution to the Iraqi Army’s Counter Insurgency Academy is one of the lasting legacies of our commitment.

“Our troops have been directly involved in the mentoring of 250 Iraqi Army soldiers who now have the skills and experience to incorporate vital counter-insurgency tactics, techniques and procedures into their parent unit’s activities.

“The success of recent Iraqi security operations in southern Iraq is in no small part thanks to the dedicated and professional role of the Australian troops who formed the AATT-I.”

Mr Fitzgibbon said the advances made in southern Iraq were obvious when compared to the environment first encountered by the AMTG in April 2005.

 “In the space of 12 months a similar sized Australian force had moved to an overwatch role in two provinces, al-Muthanna and Dhi Qar, and began focusing on supporting the Iraqi Security Forces as they grew in capability,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

Al-Muthanna and Dhi Qar were the first provinces to transfer to Provincial Iraqi Control, heralding the beginning of a process that today has nine provinces, comprising half of the total Iraqi provinces, firmly in Iraqi Government control.

“The improved security environment has allowed the Coalition to further reduce its direct support to the Iraqis by replacing the OBG(W) with a strategic overwatch force responsible for a large portion of southern Iraq.

“American commanders now responsible for regional overwatch have spent the past month with the OBG(W) getting to know the key personalities, the ground, and importantly their Iraqi Security Force partners to ensure a smooth continuation of support.”

Mr Fitzgibbon said despite the focus on population support tasks, the actual risks faced by OBG(W) soldiers, particularly indiscriminate Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attacks, remained as lethal as those encountered by the AMTG when it first entered the area.

“As recently as two-weeks ago, an Australian soldier was seriously wounded in an IED strike on an Australian armoured vehicle.

“Our soldiers have faced and responded to complex multiple IED and direct-fire attacks and of course there have been several significant contacts with Anti-Iraqi Forces in which Australian infantry and cavalry soldiers have quickly gained the upper hand and prevented further casualties or damage.”

Six Australian soldiers have been wounded during the three years of security operations in southern Iraq, and several vehicles have been damaged.

The Australian contribution to the security of southern Iraq and the development of the Iraqi Security Forces has not gone unnoticed by Coalition partners.

During his visit to Talil earlier this year, General David Petraeus strongly endorsed the Australian approach to operations.

“Australian forces have helped enormously with the development of Iraqi security forces in Dhi Qar Province and also in al-Muthanna,” General Petraeus said. 

“It’s been a privilege to soldier with those who come from Australia and we are very grateful for the contribution that they’ve made here.”

Mr Fitzgibbon said the Australian military commitment has also provided a significant enhancement to the lives of the local population through the provision of about $9 million in funding for civil infrastructure projects such as redevelopment of schools, sanitation programs and enhancement of health facilities.

These projects were also crucial in providing valuable employment opportunities for a population still reeling from the effects of deliberate combat operations.

Mr Fitzgibbon said the withdrawal of ADF troops from southern Iraq has closed another chapter in a strong and proud Australian military history.

“I’m immensely proud of our troops but perhaps the best measure of their success and the legacy they leave is expressed by the Iraqis themselves.

“Mr Ali Jaleel Kareem, an Iraqi SWAT officer undergoing Australian training recently told journalists ‘I feel the Australians’ experience has taught us a good way and I hope they will return as civilians to visit our country in the future.’”

Media Note: Vision will be fed to Parliament House, and still images will be available from www.defence.gov.au/media/download

Media contacts:

Christian Taubenschlag (Joel Fitzgibbon):  02 6277 7800 or 0438 595 567

Defence Media Liaison:  02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664