Fears for 270 Darwin Task Force Taji soldiers in Iraq firing line

FAMILY and friends of 270 Darwin Task Force Taji soldiers in Iraq are anxiously watching on as tensions escalate after Iran fired missiles at two Iraqi bases hosting US troops

Family and friends of 270 Darwin Task Force Taji soldiers in Iraq are anxiously watching on as tensions escalate after Iran today fired missiles at two Iraqi bases hosting US troops

FAMILY and friends of the 270 Darwin Task Force Taji soldiers currently in Iraq are anxiously watching the rapidly escalating tensions after the United States killed Iran’s most prominent military commander, Qassem Soleimani, in Baghdad.

The growing hostile response from within Iraq has the Territory soldiers in a heightened state of alert with growing fears the Territory soldiers, which are part of the coalition forces, may be targeted in retaliation to the United States action.

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The Iranian government has taken responsibility for rocket attacks at multiple Iraqi bases hosting American soldiers.

The Prime Minister Scott Morrison has directed the Chief of the Defence Force (CDF) to take whatever actions are necessary to protect and defend the Darwin based troops and diplomatic personnel and keep Australians safe.

The National Security Committee of the Cabinet has been meeting to review this situation and take decisions as necessary, is already scheduled to meet again on Thursday and will be convened sooner should further information be confirmed requiring such a response, and will be done so in consultation with the CDF.

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The 270 Robertson Barracks based soldiers have been in Iraq since last November and are not due to return before March.

“We’re very concerned about the possibility of our Territory boys being targeted because of what the Americans did,” a friend of one of the Darwin based soldiers told the NT News.

“No-one knows where this could end up and what will be the result of Iraqi anger towards the coalition troops in Iraq.

“This really has put them in a risky situation. We’re pretty worried about their safety and any response that may be coming.

“We’ve seen missiles being fired off at the Americans so who knows if Australian soldiers will be caught up in that.”

A spokesperson from the office of the Minister for Defence, Senator Linda Reynolds, confirmed the Territory fears saying the Australian Government remains strongly concerned about increased tensions in Iraq and the region.

“The safety and security of Australians in Iraq and across the region, including our Embassy staff and ADF personnel, remains our top priority,” the spokesperson said.

“Australia, and a number of international partners, has long been concerned by Iran’s behaviour in the Middle East.

“Australia’s focus remains on supporting Iraq’s stability and unity and ensuring a de-escalation of tensions.

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“The Australian Government is following the situation in Iraq and the broader region very closely.

“We continue to urge, and are in constant contact with our partners, to encourage restraint and avoid escalation.

“The focus of the Global Coalition is countering Da’esh and its support network — it is a terrorist organisation that is a major threat to regional and global security.”