(Transcript from World News Radio)
Defence officials claim Australia's efforts are helping to stop IS from gaining ground in Iraq.
The Australian Defence Force says IS is losing its fighting capability and effectiveness, thanks to coalition forces.
Now, US President Barack Obama wants to expand the fight against IS, including the use of ground troops.
But the federal government says Australia has no such plans.
Julia Calixto reports.
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The Australian Defence Force believes it has made inroads in the fight against IS - also known as Daesh - in Iraq.
The militant group has reportedly suffered up to 8000 casualties and the amount of territory it influences is decreasing.
Australian Defence Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral David Johnston, says IS is on the defensive and trying to hold the territory under their control.
"The Coalition has launched more than 2000 airstrikes in Iraq and Syria since air operations commenced in August 2014. The Coalition continues to strike at Daesh's commander control, their supply lines, fighters and leaders, building and equipment and their revenue-raising sources. It is too early to talk about success, but there are increasingly positive indications."
US President Barack Obama wants to make the most of it.
He's asked Congress to authorise a broader war against IS, allowing the U-S military the flexibility to deploy special forces in Iraq and Syria - in limited circumstances - if needed.
"This resolution strikes the necessary balance by giving us the flexibility we need for unforeseen circumstances. For example, if we had actionable intelligence about a gathering of ISIL leaders and our partners didn't have the capacity to get them, I would be prepared to order our special forces to take action because I will not allow these terrorists to have a safe haven."
Australia's involvment in the Coailtion fight against IS has so far included air strikes, training and support operations.
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop says there are no plans to expand its role, by sending Australian combat troops to Iraq.
"The Australian Government is in Iraq at the invitation of and with the consent of the Iraqi Government, and I was involved in the arrangements that were made in order that our personnel could take part in air strikes to disrupt ISIL activities, and that our personnel could be present to advise and assist in a training role with the Iraqi defence forces. We have not sought to expand our role to include combat troops. We've not had that discussion. We have talked about opportunities to continue to train Iraqi defence forces in circumstances where that would be required."
Ms Bishop met with Iraq's Foreign Minister Dr Ibrahim Al-Jaafari in Canberra.
Speaking through an interpreter, Dr Al-Jaafari says Iraq is not asking for ground troop support.
"We have established a set of guidelines, including air support, training and counselling to the Iraqi armed forces. The Iraqi armed forces is taking the initiative on the ground and what we have agreed with the international coalition partners is to provide assistance on the aerial support, training, advising and also intelligence information- sharing, in addition to providing humanitarian assistance."
The Iraqi government is preparing for a major ground offensive against IS expected within months.
But it's believed the mission in Iraq could take years to complete.
Vice Admiral Johnston agrees.
"To achieve the outcome is likely to be years. The length of the Australian contribution to it, well, that's a question for government."
Australia's ground force currntly comprises about 200 commandos, who are advising and training Iraqi forces.
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