Aussie troops make gains

UK Sun ^ | 03-25-03

[veronica]

A TEAM of Australian special forces have taken out two of Saddam Hussein's command and control centres and killed some of his most elite soldiers, it was revealed today.

The 500-strong Australian Special Forces Task Group includes commandos, specialist troops trained to deal with weapons of mass destruction, Chinook CH-47 helicopters and an SAS squadron operating deep inside Iraq.

They were flown to a forward base by C130 Hercules transporters and have already fought groups from Saddam's Special Security Organisation and the Iraqi Intelligence Service.

It is understood that Iraqi command and control centres for ballistic missile systems and anti-special forces operations were destroyed.

Australian F/A-18 Hornet fighters have also targeted tanks and a barracks from the air.

National commander Brigadier Maurie McNarn, speaking at Allied Central Command in Qatar, said: "Equipment and vehicles were destroyed and people were killed.

"There have been no Australian casualties."

He said the regular Iraqi army was providing much less opposition than the specialist operatives the SAS had come up against.

"As we were moving into Iraq, we contacted a group and there was an initial firefight.

"Most of them put down their weapons and ran away or put their hands in the air.

"These blokes didn't want to fight, they didn't want to be there.

"All we did was treat their wounded, send them on their way and carry on with the mission.

"So far we have either struck hardcore elements of the regime who have fought and died or we have had blokes who really don't want to support the regime and don't want to be there and, in that case, we let them go.

"The nature of the special forces operation is that you can't go round the country with a bunch of prisoners so if they are no longer a threat, we treat them and let them go on their way."

Brig McNarn said special forces had engaged a number of groups up to platoon strength.

"They have had a number of contacts, some initiated by the enemy and some by us.

"Australia's commitment is potent, effective and leading edge.

"In some cases Iraqi troops were killed."

Some 2000 Australians are involved with operations in Iraq.

Their engagements so far have included HMAS Anzac providing supporting fire for British Royal Marines on the Al Faw peninsula, destroying an Iraqi defensive position.

The crew also targeted an artillery battery and bunkers near Umm Qasr.

This morning, an Australian Navy diving team also began work locating mines near Umm Qasr.

[k2blader]

Bump!

[LenS]

Thanks Australia.

Even Al Qaeda's "soft" targets come back to bite them and their allies. Saddam's elite soldiers are paying the price for Bali.

[Mihalis]

I hope that some patriotic Canadians are watching these Australian heroes with envy ...and embarassment.

[The Toad]

Good job Aussies!

[Blood of Tyrants]

No doubt they are.

[faithincowboys]

Austrailians have always been a tough, able people. Thank God for the Aussies!!

I remember a great picture from World War II with a bunch of Aussie soldiers crowded around listening to the dramatics of General Douglas Macaurthur and the awe the men had for him was visible. Hopefully, we still have men in our armed forces that engender that level of admiration.
I know we do, but I think, in many ways, the pc doctrine drums out the real characters and creative thinkers.

I am glad the Aussies remember our help and are honorable enough to return the favor.

[John123]

It is understood that Iraqi command and control centres for ballistic missile systems and anti-special forces operations were destroyed.

I guess those don't work either.

[Preachers Kid]

Hope this doesn't turn out like all the other stories by tomorrow. Overstated? I hope this is accurate and true. The misinformation thus far as been, well, discouraging.

[caisson71]

Remember, this is war, not a soap opera. Things change very fast. In an unconventional war (guerrilla tactics) there are no rules and encounters are fluid. Rest assured, however, that the Aussies are very good. I served with them in Nam in joint operations. They say what they're going to do, they do it and they tell you what they've done and move on to their next mission.

[bourbon]

my grandfather served with aussies in WWII and during the post-war period. He always spoke of their forces with the greatest admiration. He also frequently professed his belief that Australians were more like Americans, in their beliefs and dispositions, than any other people on the planet.

[smpc]

Ive found the same of Americans in my travels there.

[caisson71]

Yes they were. Their insolence and swagger fit right in with the Americans. Great bunch of guys!

[Brian Allen]

Thanks, veronica. Good one, By. [America's First and Best-Ever Ally (And owner of the world's second-oldest airforce!) is much loved and much-appreciated by all Real Americans!]

Per Adua Ad Astra!

[A little Former-Air-Force Lingo for All Y'All, there -- HehHehHeh]

Best ones -- Brian

[Brian Allen]

<< Rest assured, however, that the Aussies ... say what they're going to do, they do it and they tell you what they've done and move on to their next mission. >>

Thank you for knowing that.

And thank you for saying it.

God bless Our Nation's Closest FRiends -- and First-Ever and Best-Ever Ally: the Australians!

Blessings -- Brian

[Brian Allen]

<< Australians [ARE] more like Americans, in their beliefs and dispositions, than [are] any other people on the planet

Very likely true!

God bless our Aussie cousins :) >>

Amen.