Australian, NZ troops start Iraq training

Training of a new brigade of Iraqi soldiers has begun just north of Baghdad, involving Australian and New Zealand forces.

Australian and New Zealand military forces (AAP) Source: Department of Defence

Australian and New Zealand military forces have started training the Iraqi Army.

The combined training force, known as Task Group Taji, consists of 300 soldiers from Australia and 110 New Zealanders.

Troops from the Iraqi Army's 76th brigade - who will take on Islamic State fighters - are being instructed in advanced weapon handling, laws of armed conflict and house-to-house fighting.

The task group is based Taji military complex, northwest of Baghdad.

Military equipment for the 76th brigade is due to be delivered in coming weeks.

Australia's 400-member air task group continues its operations in Iraq and the 200-strong special operations task group will reduce later this year.

In April, the RAAF's Hornet bombers flew 72 sorties against IS targets.