Australian warplanes to launch air strikes against Islamic State targets.
Source: NYT/ABC
Australian warplanes have been given the go-ahead to begin attacks on Islamic State militants in Iraq.
Six F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jets have been on standby in the Middle East for two weeks in preparation for joining the US-led attacks on IS targets.
The National Security Committee of Cabinet met earlier this morning, followed by a full Cabinet meeting, before the public announcement was made.
"[Islamic State] has effectively declared war on the world. The world is responding," Prime Minister Tony Abbott said.
Australian special forces will be deployed in northern Iraq to assist local forces fighting IS militants.
Read more: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-10-03/live-government-set-to-approve-air-strikes-in-iraq/5787868
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