Australia's Iraqi troop training reviewed

The defence department is reviewing Australia's training commitments with Iraqi Security Forces at the Taji base, north of Baghdad.

australian soldiers in Iraq

New Zealand and Australian soldiers have trained more than 30,000 Iraqi troops in fight against IS. (AAP)

It's likely Australia could wrap up its joint training program of Iraqi soldiers this year.

New Zealand and Australian soldiers have trained more than 30,000 Iraqi troops in the fight against Islamic State militants since 2015.

More than 300 Australian and 100 New Zealand military personnel are deployed at any one time at the Taji base, north of Baghdad.

The Australia's defence department said it regularly reviews the nature of its military contribution against IS.

"Coalition contributing nations are working with Iraqi officials to define what adviser and training support is required into the future," a spokesman told AAP.

"There is still work to be done to clear the remaining pockets of Daesh fighters in rural areas, and ensuring remaining elements of Daesh in Syria do not pose a cross-border threat to Iraq's government and people."

Some of the graduates have been involved in clearing and holding Mosul, which was the defacto IS Iraqi capital, as well as security and clearance operations across Iraq provinces.

Training includes weapons handling, marksmanship, explosive-hazard awareness, combat first aid, urban operations including building clearances, obstacle breaching techniques, vehicle checkpoints, combat leadership and the employment of joint fires.

There is some speculation NZ could pull out of the arrangement in November, following a review by Prime Minister Jacinda Adern's new Labour government.

At its peak, the so-called IS caliphate controlled most of eastern Syria and about one-third of Iraq's territory.

Iraq's prime minister declared victory over the militant group late last year.

Australia last month brought home its six Super Hornet fighter jets after ceasing air strike operations against IS in Iraq and Syria.

America is also winding down its military commitment to Iraq.

An estimated 4000 US troops are set to remain in the country training Iraqi soldiers.

This is down from 5200 troops who were there as of December and 8892 as of September last year, AP reports.


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Source: AAP



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