Aust to commit extra $15 million in aid

The federal government will send extra aid to people in Iraq and Syria, particularly refugees facing an added danger as winter approaches.

Syrian Refugees.

Australia has committed another $15 million to assist people in Iraq and Syria fleeing IS militants. (AAP)

Australia has committed another $15 million to assist people in Iraq and Syria fleeing Islamic State terrorists.

An estimated 16 million people inside the strife-torn nations are in dire need of assistance, with half forced to abandon their homes as IS - also known as ISIL - extremists wage war.

Refugees on the run are at particular risk of exposure as winter advances.

The government's extra funding will see $10 million given to humanitarian organisations within Iraq, including to support women and girls being targeted by Islamic militants.

Another $5 million will be given to the aid groups to deliver food and urgent medical supplies within neighbouring Syria, now in its fourth year of civil war.

Australia has given $17 million to Iraq since June and more than $135 million to Syria since 2011.


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