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Tony Abbott says the deployment of 600 military personnel to the Middle East as part of international efforts to wipe out Islamic State extremists doesn't mean Australia is going to war in Iraq.
The prime minister announced in Darwin yesterday Australia had received a specific request from the US government to contribute forces.
After cabinet and its national security committee the government decided to deploy a military force to the United Arab Emirates.
Australia's contribution will include up to eight Super Hornet combat aircraft, an early warning and control aircraft and aerial refuelling aircraft.
A contingent of Special Forces will be sent to potentially act as military advisers to Iraqi and other security forces.
Four hundred air personnel and about 200 military personnel will be involved in the deployment.
Mr Abbott said "air elements" would depart in the next week or so while "military elements" could leave sooner.
Labor has given its support to the deployment of Australian troops to the Middle East to combat Islamic State extremists.
The move comes days after US President Barack Obama ordered a "relentless" war against Islamic State, including air strikes in Syria and expanded operations in Iraq to "destroy" the jihadists.
Mr Abbott warned Australia's involvement in the conflict could last many months rather than weeks.
On Friday, Australia lifted its terror alert level from medium to high, but the government has stressed that did not mean an attack was imminent.
There are at least 60 Australians fighting with IS and a further 100 supporting extremist groups.
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